Equality, Culture, Energy
African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights underlines importance of public services in Africa’s development
EPSU has welcomed the General Comment No. 7 on State obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights in the context of private provision of social services.
Survey reveals problems faced by workers in energy, waste and water
A survey of workers in energy, waste and water, carried out by services union ver.di, reveals widespread discontent, with many employees feeling they are insufficiently trained, overworked, health-impaired or have financial worries. Over 14,500 workers responded to the survey, highlighting a range of urgent needs that the union will aim to address. Staff shortages are creating a lot of pressure on workers and many complain about the failure of employers to offer professional training and development opportunities. With work intensity increasing there has been a dramatic rise in stress for many
Unions take action over pay and jobs
Trade unions in several sectors have planned action this autumn over jobs, pay and pensions. The CGT has called for protests and strikes across France on 29 September in response to the cost-of-living crisis with calls to increase pay, a minimum wage of €2000 a month and moves towards a 32-hour working week. Meanwhile, energy unions, including FNME-CGT, FO-FNEM and CFE Énergies have rejected the latest pay offer from the electricity employers and are planning action on 6 October. In the care sector, FO mobilised workers in residential elderly care on 27 September to demand recognition of
Unions pleased with energy sector deal
The Fagforbundet, ELOGIT and Delta trade unions have welcomed the outcome of negotiations in the energy sector and have recommended the deal to their members for approval. The agreement includes a NOK 10900 (€1040) increase on annual salaries from 1 July along with increases to travel and accommodation allowances and on-call supplements. The minimum wage in the agreement is now NOK 414800 (€39650). Glasses used for computer work will now be paid for and the unions have established the right of co-determination over the use of technology, particularly in relation to ensuring a clear distinction
Immediate measures are urgent, but the energy market must be fundamentally changed!
Ahead of the extraordinary Council of EU Energy Ministers on 9 September 2022 to discuss emergency measures to mitigate the currently exploding energy prices, EPSU reiterates the need for an urgent and immediate price cap on electricity and gas prices.
Pay rises for workers in energy and maternity care
After difficult negotiations in the energy production and supply sector the FNV trade union is asking members to vote on a collective agreement that will provide a 4% pay increase from 1 May 2022. The agreement will run for 14 months to 1 July 2023 and includes proposals to discuss how to ensure the agreement will help tackle the major challenges faced by the sector. Key to the discussions will be work pressure, policies on older workers and how to deal with the shortage of technical staff. Meanwhile, there were also challenging negotiations in the maternity sector where a new 18-month
Confederation calls for action to tackle sexual harassment
The ADEDY civil service confederation has submitted a report to the interior ministry which addresses sexual harassment across the public service and puts forwards proposals to amend the relevant regulations. The Confederation argues that physical or verbal violence and harassment suffered by female workers is directly related to the devaluation of their employment. It says that the extent of the problem has to be exposed and full support given to victims. ADEDY has proposed changes to the civil service code and other regulations to ensure that there are clear definitions of sexual harassment
Contrasting bargaining in energy and health sectors
The ver.di services union and IG BCE industry union have negotiated a new 21-month agreement with the Uniper energy company. There is a 3% pay increase for all workers and trainees from 1 July this year, followed by a 4% increase on 1 April 2023. There is also a change to the pay structure so that trainees taken on as employees are not placed on a lower starting rate. In contrast, negotiations in the GASAG gas company are much more challenging with ver.di calling a warning strike for 27 June after six bargaining rounds that have failed to bring the two sides closer together. The union’s