Oct. 04, 2011 Denmark/International: Danish study reviews research on contracting-out (October 2011) A major review of the impact of contracting out calls into question the benefits of getting the private sector to deliver public services. Researchers in Denmark examined the
Sep. 29, 2011 Financial Transactions Tax directive: Victory on the principle (29 September 2011) Press communication The European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) welcomes the draft directive for a financial transactions tax for Europe adopted by the Commission on 28
Aug. 11, 2011 Opinion article on the Financial and Economic Crisis in the EU-observer 4 July 2011 The following opinion article appeared in the widely read EU observer and gives the view of EPSU’s Deputy General Secretary on the measures proposed by the European Commission and the
Jul. 21, 2011 UK: municipality brings cleaning back in-house Islington council in north London has brought its cleaning services back in-house. This has not only meant cost savings for the council but much improved pay and conditions for the 160 workers who have been affected by the change.
Jul. 21, 2011 Sweden: Parliament rejects further privatisation Trade unions in Sweden have welcomed a decision by the Parliament to block further privatisation of state assets. The centre-right government had planned a series of major sell-offs, including privatisation
Jul. 21, 2011 Georgia: Unions defending public services Despite the very difficult situation facing trade unions in Georgia, there are examples of positive action in support of public services. In the capital Tbilisi there have been major improvements
Jul. 21, 2011 Sweden: Parliament rejects further privatisation (July 2011) In March 2011 the Swedish parliament voted to reject government plans to sell shares in state-owned companies. The centre-right government, which does not have an overall majority, proposed
Jul. 21, 2011 Georgia: Unions defending public services (July 2011) Trade unions in Georgia have managed to campaign and negotiate for improved services despite the challenges they face. The greatest problem faced by the public services unions in
Jul. 21, 2011 UK: Islington Council re-municipalises cleaning contract (July 2011) In 2010 over 160 cleaners in Islington, north London, became direct employees of the local council again, on much better pay and conditions. The decision came after the
Jun. 30, 2011 Social Dialogue work programme 2011-2013 & other adopted documents The European Social Dialogue Committee for Central Government Administrations met on 24 June to endorse its workprogramme for the next 2 years. At the meeting, EUPAE and TUNED agreed the
Jun. 28, 2011 Portugal: unions convince Lisbon city council to reject outsourcing In 2010, when Lisbon City Council drew up plans to outsource services, the STAL and STML trade unions worked together to compile evidence to oppose the changes.
Jun. 28, 2011 Georgia: health unions fight hospital closures Despite aggressive anti-union policies and legislation, health workers in Georgia are fighting back against the government's plans for widespread privatisation. A combination of cutbacks and a switch from public funding
Jun. 28, 2011 UK: bringing local services back in-house A new report from UNISON, Insourcing update: The value of returning local authority services in-house in an era of budget constraints, reveals how many local councils in the UK are
Jun. 28, 2011 UK: bringing local services back in-house A new report commissioned by UNISON provides survey evidence on how local authorities in the UK are insourcing services - bringing services back in-house.
Jun. 24, 2011 Georgia: Health unions fight hospital closures The health workers union in Georgia is facing up to two main challenges - anti-trade legislation and privatisation.