Remunicipalisation, Health and Safety, Migration
Survey reveals high workloads and stress among government workers
A major survey by the ST trade union found that seven out of 10 government employees report feeling stressed at work, with many citing lack of influence at work as a contributing factor. The union found that state sector employees are more stressed than those in the labour market as a whole. Some 55% said that their workload had increased in the previous two years, with almost 30% feeling that they cannot speak up when they have too much to do. Threats and violence at work was mentioned by 34% of respondents, up from previous surveys with many saying they have not received sufficient support
ETUC underlines the need for action on workplace deaths
An analysis for the ETUC by the European Trade Union Institute reveals that deaths at work will continue to blight Europe for almost a decade longer than previously forecast after a rise in fatal accidents in almost half of member states. The latest figures for 2019 and 2020 show that deaths at work rose in 12 countries, most notably in Italy (+285), Spain (+45) and Portugal (+27). The ETUC is calling on the EU and national governments to stop workplace deaths by backing its Zero Death at Work manifesto which calls on the European Union, member state governments and employers to commit to and
EU Social Partners signed new agreement on digitalisation for central government
On Thursday, 6 October the EU social partners for central governments, TUNED for the trade union side and EUPAE for the employers, signed a new agreement on digitalisation with the participation of the European Commission.
Survey shows massively increased workload for emergency medical services
A survey by the health and services union ver.di has revealed that the already high burden on employees in the emergency medical service has increased significantly since the beginning of the COVID pandemic. Around 7,000 workers replied to the questionnaire with 39% saying they would change professions immediately if they had the opportunity. There are serious problems with working hours, work intensity, physical and psychological stress and risk of physical assaults. Almost all respondents reported problems balancing work and private life. Staff shortages mean that 61% of employees are (very)
Health and safety of workers must be taken more seriously: stop asbestos
On 28 September, the European Commission published its proposal to better protect workers from asbestos, by lowering the current occupational exposure limit for asbestos from 100,000 fibres per cubic meter to 10,000 fibres per cubic meter.
Union expresses concern over government funding plans for prisons
The FNV trade union is warning that government funding plans for prison services will have a major negative impact on staff and inmates. A recent report by consultants PwC says that an additional €398 million is needed to adequately finance services over the next 10 years. In response the government says it does not want to invest more than €170 million and so is effectively proposing a cut of €200 million. The FNV argues that the government approach will have serious implications for work pressure and safety. The union says that there have been staff shortages and high workloads for years
New social partner project: skills and training in care sector
The Social Employers and EPSU with the affiliate partner Nexem are pleased to annouce the launch of the FORTE Project. The project outcomes will feed into joint discussions and outputs in the framework of sectoral social dialogue in social services.
Union acts on new research links cancers to firefighting
The FOA trade union is planning to open old cases related to firefighters and cancer, following the publication of new research that links at least two cancers to firefighting, with further limited evidence in relation to five other cancers. The union argues that there is now sufficient evidence that mesothelioma (linked to asbestos) and bladder cancer may have been triggered by working as a firefighter and should be added to the occupational disease list. FOA has been at the forefront of developing procedures to prevent firefighters from being exposed to the harmful substances that develop