Collective Bargaining, Local government
Collective bargaining – trends and developments
Collective bargaining is a core activity of trade unions and EPSU’s affiliates negotiate with public service employers at every level. This can range from national public-sector wide bargaining to sector and local negotiations with public sector employers but also private and non-profit providers of public services. EPSU works with the European Trade Union Confederation to try to improve collective bargaining rights for all workers across Europe. We also act as a European information point so that EPSU affiliates are aware of trends in public service negotiations. EPSU’s collective bargaining newsletter provides regular updates on developments across Europe.
Two-year cross-sector agreement out for consultation
(January 2017) Trade unions and employers in the private sector have negotiated a two-year cross-sector agreement which is now up for approval by member organisations. The deal includes scope for a pay increase of 1.1% that would be negotiated at sector level but this would come on top of the 2.9% increase arising from the indexation of pay that continues to be applied at national level. The unions believe they have made some progress with the employers on a range of social issues, including early retirement, in stark contrast to the what they see as the negative approach of the government.
ETUC set to launch pay rise campaign
(January 2017) The ETUC has called for 2017 to be year of the pay rise. The ETUC argues that a pay rise is fully justified to tackle rising inequality and in-work poverty, and to generate growth and recovery for all. The focus will be on negotiating higher pay through collective bargaining but there will also be campaigning on higher statutory minimum wages where they exist. The ETUC will be working with the European Trade Union Federations during the campaign. There is an initial conference on 14-15 February.
Further mobilisation of childcare workers
(January 2017) Following action last month, the CGT, FAFPT and FO unions have called for another day of action demanding improved pay and conditions for pre-school workers. The unions met with representatives of the ministry for public administration who expressed sympathy for the case put by the trade unions but failed to come up with concrete proposals.The unions point out that working time and other working conditions vary considerably across the country and the needs of this group of workers has been ignored by employers both locally and nationally.
Global wage report reveals pay inequalities
(January 2017) The latest Global Wage Report from the International Labour Organisation shows that, in 2010, the top 10% of European best-paid workers obtained 25.5% of total wages, while the lower half of workers got less than 30%.The report also notes the role that minimum wages can play in reducing the gender pay gap, recommending that social partners should have a role in determining the level of minimum wages.
Conference debates quality employment
(January 2017) Over 120 trade union representatives from across Europe took part in EPSU's conference on quality employment on 10-11 January. The debates covered how to define quality employment, trends in labour law reform in Eastern Europe, the ETUC's pay rise campaign, how to improve pay in the social care sector, workloads and staffing in prisons and hospitals, precarious work and social dialogue. The conference was organised with the financial support of the European Commission.
Collective bargaining news across Europe
(January 2017) The latest issue of collective bargaining news from the European Trade Union Institute reports on some developments in the public services, including a pay rise negotiated at the CEZ electricity company in the Czech Republic, conflicts in the water and waste sectors in Hungary and a new report from the OSE research organisation looking at the impact of austerity
Real wage increase for public sector
(December 2016) After the third round of negotations, public sector unions have agreed a 1.3% pay increase for 2017, implemented from 1 January. With inflation at 0.75% this means an real increase of 0.55%. The main public sector unions, GÖD and younion, are please with the outcome which they say provides a share of economic growth, estimated at 1.7%, for workers.
Public sector negotiations finally underway
(December 2016) The public sector federations of CGIL, CSIL and UIL have welcomed the first steps towards re-establishing collective bargaining in the public sector after a seven-year freeze. The federations are looking to negotiate on more issues and ensure proper recognition of the skills and professionalism of public sector workers. Job security will also be an issue with action to deal with the spread of temporary contracts. Catching up with lost purchasing power will also be a priority with an EUR 80 increase set for the first three-year period 2016-2018.
Union sets out key demands for regional negotiations
(December 2016) Services union ver.di has set out its key demands in the upcoming negotiations covering employees of regional government. The union is looking for a 6% increase but with a minimum guaranteed increase. It will also seek some changes to the pay structure to ensure that workers in social, educational and care roles keep up with their colleagues covered by the public sector agreement for federal and local government workers. The union is also seeking improvements for apprentices and a commitment to provide them with jobs once qualified.
Unions want to see higher minimum wage and proper enforcement
(December 2016) To coincide with a meeting of the EU-Georgia Association Council, trade unions have raised a wide range of concerns on social issues. In particular, unions want to see a much higher minimum wage set by law and with proper enforcement mechanisms. The current minimum wage is extremely low with no real labour inspectorate to ensure implementation.
Pay and pensions among key demands for protesting unions
(December 2016) The FPU trade union confederation organised a national demonstration on 8 December to keep the pressure on the government as it drafts its budget for 2017. The unions have a number of demands including urgent action to tackle low pay and wage arrears. Better pensions and protection of the health service against commercialisation are also important priorities (see resolution for further details). EPSU sent a soldarity message.