Health and Safety, Migration
Fighting for the rights of migrants and asylum-seekers
Migration has major implications for public services not least because of the significant contribution of migrant workers to the provision of public services in many European countries. Thousands of public service employees across Europe work in areas related to migrations and asylum-seeking. Unfortunately, the European and national response to asylum-seekers has often fallen pitifully short of what should be expected from one of the wealthiest regions in the world and EPSU has been arguing hard for a change of approach, criticising the European Union’s policies which continue to focus on tightening borders, pushing back refugees and outsourcing asylum duties to third countries. EPSU, along with PSI, has also been calling for an end to privatisation and increased public investment in the public services that are vital to ensure the safe and effective integration of migrants and asylum-seekers into society. This briefing, prepared for EPSU's 2019 Congress provides some background on EPSU's activities in this area.
Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee for Hospitals and Healthcare adopted the Action Plan of Preventing Third Party Violence and Harassment
On 9 June 2023 European Social Partners in the Hospital and Health Sector (EPSU and HOSPEEM) met in hybrid format to discuss the situation of workers and employers in their countries and on the European level.
More support needed for health, care, and public service workers in new Mental Health Strategy
EPSU welcomes the European Commission’s proposed Mental Health Strategy but cautions that the strategy cannot achieve its goals without directly addressing the serious problems already facing the workers who will be instrumental in its implementation.
New ETUI publication - Beyond economic growth: The role of trade unions in the transition to well-being
A further contribution to the ‘beyond growth’ or ‘post-growth’ debates, the recent ETUI working paper sets out the case against the pursuit of undifferentiated economic growth and advocates substantial changes to European economies.
Union survey reveals extent of violence faced by welfare staff
A major survey of more than 4000 workers by the FOA trade union shows that 35% of employees in the health and care sector have experienced threats of violence in the past year. This compares to only 6% for the general population. Some 30% say that they have been subjected to physical violence. The union is worried that the real figures may be even higher as it believes many employees have come to accept that violence and threats are part of the job. The evidence indicates that the most vulnerable places of work are psychiatry, nursing homes and special and disability areas. FOA highlights the
International Nurses Day 2023: fed up nurses call for higher pay and safe staffing
As we celebrate International Nurses Day on 12 May, we honour the immense contributions of nurses in our society. Although the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic may be behind us, we must never forget the bravery demonstrated by nurses throughout the crisis.
Stop Cancer at Work welcomes new EU guidelines and list of hazardous medicinal products, but more needs to be done to protect workers
Employers, workers and Member States need to work together to raise awareness, enhance best practice and implement the guidelines and list of hazardous drugs in the workplace.
EP sets new frame to protect workers from asbestos! Now it is time for the European Commission to do the same.
(Joint Press Release) Today, the European Parliament (EP) approved the legislative report on Protecting Workers from Asbestos. The document includes measures such as a ban on encapsulating asbestos and the recognition of all asbestos related diseases.
EPSU expresses solidarity with workers following tragic murder of psychiatrist in Italy
EPSU has expressed its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Dr. Barbara Capovani, a psychiatrist who was brutally murdered while carrying out her duties at a hospital in Pisa, Italy.
World Health Day 2023: workers call for urgent action to improve working conditions
On World Health Day 2023, health and social care workers represented by the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) call for urgent action to improve working conditions, reminding policymakers that there is no healthcare without healthcare workers.