Union argues that agreements needed on role of volunteers

The FOA public service union is concerned about the increasing number of tasks being given to volunteers in nursing homes and care centres - tasks that would normally be undertaken by paid staff. A union survey of members found one in four reporting that jobs previously handled by employees were being done by volunteers. The union welcomes the contribution of volunteers but warns that the sector cannot continue to cut jobs and rely more and more on unpaid support. FOA is also concerned about an increasing division in tasks with paid staff focusing more on practical tasks while volunteers take

(March 2017) A policy brief from the European Trade Union Institute examines the role of European works councils (EWCs) in restructuring. It finds that not only is there a problem ensuring that existing EWCs play a full role in the information and consultation process but that a significant number of major restructuring are carried out where there are no EWCs. The briefing highlights the need for better rights for EWCs as well as for a stronger role for trade unoins.

The FSP-UGT public service federation is very concerned that the labour reforms will reinforce government policy to get more of the unemployed to take on voluntary work in areas like social services. The union has criticised the government for the proposals which it says not only imply that it is the fault of the individuals that they are unemployed but could also end up with the unemployed doing work previously done by public sector workers who have since been made redundant. [Read more at > FSP-UGT (ES)->http://www.fspugt.es/UGT_alerta_del_peligro_de_sustituir_funcionarios_por_trabajadores