Trade, Procurement, Privatisation, Economic Policy
Switzerland: union warns against impact of new health financing system
The vpod/ssp public services has launched a campaign and petition – “Nein zu EFAs” – to try to block changes to the healthcare financing system in Switzerland that will have seriously negative consequences for staff and patients.
Unions mobilise to secure COVID payments and pay rise
The UNISON, Unite and GMB trade unions have been mobilising their members in the NHS and private contractors to secure unpaid COVID bonuses and pay rises. UNISON and Unite members are taking on Mitie, the large private contractor, which has refused to pay a COVID bonus despite the company being signed up to the national Agenda for Change agreement which requires the payment. Meanwhile, Unite members formerly employed by the contractor Serco but now directly employed by the NHS at Bart’s Hospital in London are also claiming their COVID payment which the hospital management have so far refused
Communication of the Commission on Europe 2040 climate targets: EPSU calls for a fair, social, inclusive initiative
EPSU welcomes the Communication of the European Commission on Europe's 2040 climate target, in which it recommends a 90% reduction of the EU’s net greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
European elections 2024 – time for politicians to deliver quality public services for all
EPSU publishes our key priorities for the European elections. Much more than a list of demands, EPSU first and foremost calls for a stronger commitment from the EP to protect and promote the democratic values and solidarity mechanisms that have shaped the European project.
Human Rights Day: new EPSU report marks ten years of Right2Water
As the world observes Human Rights Day on December 10th, EPSU launched a new report commemorating the ten-year milestone of the Right2Water European Citizens Initiative (ECI), a groundbreaking movement that placed access to water at the forefront of the European political agenda.
Thousands join anti-austerity protests and strikes
The CMKOS trade union confederation coordinated a day of protests and warning strikes on 27 November in a campaign against government policies. The unions are concerned that the government wants to impose a new round of austerity, including pay freezes for public service workers. The key CMKOS demands also cover pensions and retirement age, protection for real wages and the funding and provision of quality public services. Health and care union OSZSP mobilised around the country and the OSSOO state workers’ union was one of five CMKOS affiliates that organised hour-long warning strikes.