Solidarity, Energy
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.
Workers take to the streets to defend the right to strike and to support Delhaize strikers
A massive demonstration with over 25,000 people was organised by the three Belgian trade union confederations (ACV-CSC, FGTB-ABVV and CGSLB-ACVLV) to protest attacks on the rights to strike, demonstrate and picket.
New Right to Energy manifesto calls for a European ban on energy disconnections
The Right to Energy coalition has launched a manifesto advocating for a European ban on energy disconnections, urging the European Parliament to leverage the demand as they review the European Commission’s proposal to revise the energy market.
EPSU asks government of Republic of Srpska (Bosnia-Herzegovina) to withdraw amendments that criminalises critique
Following discussion in the EPSU Constituency meeting for Central Europe and Western Balkan, we sent a letter to the government of the republic of Srpska to withdraw amendments to the criminal code.
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
Today, 17 May, is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. This year’s theme of ”Together always: united in diversity” should resonate with all trade unionists. It reflects the solidarity that binds – and builds – our movement.
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.
Pay deals in public sector plus private health and energy
Ver.di and other public sector unions have negotiated have a new agreement on pay covering 2.5 million workers in federal and local government. The agreement runs from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2024 and this year will mean that employees get a €3000 tax-free lump sum paid in instalments – €1240 in June and then €220 a month between July 2023 and February 2024. There will then be an increase to pay rates of €200 plus 5.5% in March 2024. The consultation with members will begin on 4 May and the collective bargaining committee will make the final decision on 15 May. As in previous
New two-year agreement in energy sector
The JHL trade union reports that negotiations have delivered a two-year agreement in the energy sector that runs to 31 March 2025. Employees will get a 3.5% general increase on 1 August this year along with a €415 lump sum paid on 1 July. Next year the general increase will be 2% from 1 June with 0.5% for the local level.
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.
Union leaders from across Europe send a powerful message of solidarity to Europe’s public service workers
Europe’s public service workers are showing in many different ways that they expect significant pay increases to value the work they do for society, to compensate for high inflation and to show respect for their dedication during the very difficult period of COVID-19. They kept public services running. Strikes and industrial actions continue to take place across Europe.
EPSU Executive Committee stands with French workers against pension reform
Members of the Executive Committee, representing over eight million public service workers across Europe, sent letters to French President Emmanuel Macron outlining their solidarity with French trade unions and their concern for the protection of workers' rights and social benefits.