Ukraine
The FTUU trade union confederation organized a demonstration on 17 August in protest at government policies, including a public sector pay freeze, that are being imposed as a result of an agreement with the International Monetary Fund.
Read more at > EPSU (EN)
There is speculation that the government may commit itself to cutting public sector jobs and freezing pay until 2011, in order to secure more help from the IMF. The IMF agreed a standby with the Serbian government earlier this year and this is now up for review. Suggestions are that job cuts will be implemented this year and could affect health, education, administration and the judiciary. Read more at > SETimes (EN)
Thousands of civil servants and public sector workers joined demonstrations around the country in protest at the three-year pay freeze that has been imposed by the French government as well as the long-term reduction in purchasing power suffered since 2000. Further actions are likely as part of the unions’ joint campaigning. Read more at > FO (FR) And at > CGT (FR)
Public sector unions have been active in protests against the government’s refusal to abide by legislation and implement a pay increase for public sector workers. They are also challenging the government for its failure to agree to any social dialogue with the unions and are concerned about possible cuts to bonuses and holiday allowances. Health workers took action in January and other public service workers continued the protests through February and are now considering what further action to take. The Publisind federation that includes the SNPP police and prison officers’ union have also
