Public sector unions brought together over 10000 shop stewards to debate the way forward in the current conflict over pay and conditions. When the employers failed to come up with an offer on pay, negotiations broke down and a mediator was called in. The unions announced that strike action would take place on 4 April if mediation didn't work. The action would be targeted and involve only 10%-15% of public sector workers. In response, the employers said that they would implement a massive lockout on 14 April covering 90% of state workers and 50% of municipal workers. Mediation is continuing, however, and the mediator has requested a delay to the industrial action. This means that no strike action can take place before 22 April and no lockout before 28 April unless the mediator declares an early end to the mediation process. EPSU and many affiliates sent messages of support.
Over 10000 worker reps mobilised in public sector dispute
More like this
Union mobilises climate reps for green workplace action
The Vision trade union is aiming to address climate issues at work through a network of climate representatives who are aiming to work with employers to take a range of initiatives including looking at ways to make commuting more sustainable. Climate reps in 15 branches, representing thousands of members in municipalities, regions and the Church of Sweden, are currently putting forward proposals such as subsidized travel cards for public transport, initiatives to provide bikes, charging stations at the workplace and other things that enable reduced climate impact from commuting. Vision says it
Mediation continues in public sector dispute
The mediator in the public sector pay dispute has extended the official period of mediation. Unless she decides to end the mediation early then this means that the unions cannot take any strike action until 6 May and employers cannot impose their threatened lockout until 12 May. In the meantime unions are still mobilising their activists and public services union FOA organised a meeting of 2000 worker representatives which reaffirmed their determination to push for a real wage increase as well as special measures to address low pay and pay in occupations dominated by women.
Employee reps debate precarious employment in church organisations
Services union ver.di has been surprised by the level of interest in a meeting on precarious employment in the church sector in Bavaria taking place on 24 October. Over 100 employee represenatives have signed up for the meeting indicating the extent of the problem among church bodies that provide many health and social services. The union has evidence of church employees facing temporary contracts of up to two years, part-time work despite the demand for full-time hours, widespread outsourcing and a range of other precarious employment conditions. [Read more at > ver.di (DE)->https://www.verdi