Solidarity, Economic Policy
Supporting campaigns, strikes and protests
Solidarity is a core area of our joint European trade union work There are common elements to many of the actions of public service unions as we fight for better pay and working conditions or when we defend trade union rights or protest against privatisation and attacks on public services. Any expression of solidarity is welcomed by unions and it can be a real boost to their campaign when EPSU, its affiliates and other trade union organisations, not only send messages of support but also messages of protest to companies, employers and governments. This briefing gives examples of our solidarity work in recent years.
New Commission Communication “The power of trade partnerships: together for green and just economic growth
In June 2022 the European Commission published a Communication “The power of trade partnerships: together for green and just economic growth” that strengthens the Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) provisions of EU trade agreements.
Confederation organises protests over pay and prices
The Cartel-Alfa trade union confederation organised a series of rallies around the country from 17 October leading up to a national demonstration in Bucharest on 20 October. The confederation is calling for action to tackle surging inflation and for increases to pay and pensions. The actions were supported by EPSU affiliate Hipocrat which organises in the health sector.
South East European unions see high energy prices eating into purchasing power
The message of the unions in South East Europe was the same as at the other 3 constituency meetings in Eastern Europe and Central Asia: high prices for energy and how these are passed on to other products and services, impact on people’s bills and purchasing power.