Mediterranean trade unions on public services, European parliament elections and the extreme-right

(28 June 2023) The recent elections in several European countries that resulted in gains for extreme-right parties and even brought them into government were discussed at the constituency of the Mediterranean unions. The work on the international network of anti-fascist union and the seminars of the ETUI can assist in this analysis. Most important is to continue the exchanges on best approaches to persuade workers not to go for the narrative of those parties. Several examples were shared of how such parties once in government betray the interests of workers and our communities and side with corporate capital and the employers.

The unions reflected on the European Parliament elections as a surge in seats for the extreme-right wing parties is expected as well as what demands of public service unions can be. Other issues discussed included the return of austerity politics and the need for recruitment and organising amongst others.

The EPSU General Secretary addressed the meeting raising various issues on the EPSU agenda from the consequences of the war in Ukraine and the cost-of-living crisis, to the attacks on trade union rights and other human rights. The unions looked at the preparation for the EPSU and PSI Congresses, the work expected from the ETUC following its Congress in Berlin which saw many confederations demanding campaigning in ETUC for public services. He addressed the negotiations ongoing on a cross-sectoral agreement on digitalisation and how the existing agreement of EPSU with the Central Government Employers can be linked to this agreement. We looked at organising work and the financial constraints of the Federations.

The unions sent a message of solidarity to the Portuguese unions that join the national day of action on 28 June.

The meeting took place 26 and 27 June 2023 in Madrid. The participating unions came from Cyprus, Israel, Italy, Portugal, and Spain and were joined by colleagues from the Benelux-France constituency. The resolution that was adopted will be available here.

Resolution of the Mediterranean Trade Unions 26-27 June 2023 (EN - IT - ES)

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