Japan, Montenegro
Unions organise budget protest
Public sector unions are planning a demonstration outside parliament on 6 December in protest at the government's latest budget proposals. The unions have been in the process of negotiating a salary increase after a six-year pay freeze. However, publication of the budget has revealed that the government has changed its spending plans and the proposals could been a further five-year freeze. Trade unions organising health, education, university and defence workers will join the demonstration and call on MPs to vote to revise the budget with inclusion of funds for a pay increase for public sector
Public sector unions protest outside parliament
Eight public sector unions organised a protest in front of parliament on 6 December calling for better pay and conditions for public sector workers. The unions were calling on MPs not to support the government's budget for 2015 which does not provide for an increase in wages for public sector employees. The government has failed to respond to the unions' calls for social dialogue and they say they will continue their protests. Read more at > USSCG (SR) And at > EPSU
Japanese and European public service unions condemn secrecy in trade negotiations and the lack of a progressive agenda addressing people’s concerns
Today Public services unions from Europe and Japan have sent an open letter to Cecilia Malstrom and Fumio Kishida demanding greater transparency in the negotiations to reach a trade agreement between Japan and the EU (JEFTA).
EPSU position on the EU’s Western Balkans Strategy: strengthen collective bargaining, build independent high quality public administrations and institutions and invest in public services
The Western Balkan strategy of the European Commission is a significant step in providing positive prospects for the workers and people of these countries