Energy
Feb. 14, 2019
Guillaume Durivaux EPSU Policy for Utilities sector meets Ukrainian affiliates 5-8 February, Kiev, Ukraine
EPSU secretariat meets Ukrainian affiliates in the utility sector
Strengthening collective bargaining, increasing wages and analysing the impact of liberalisation in the utility sector were the main focus of a 3-days visit organised in Kiev (Ukraine) from 5th to 8th of February.
Jan. 30, 2019
Unions take action in public services and Veolia
The pay freeze and job cuts in the public sector have prompted action by some unions in February with the CGT taking strike action on the 5th and FO organising a week of action 3-10 February with a national demonstration on the 7th. Their principal demands focus on unfreezing pay, stopping the job cuts but there are also broader demands about the minimum wage and a fairer tax system. Fairness is also one of the factors behind the unions' joint call for strike action across the energy, water and waste company Veolia which employs 50000 workers in France. The CFDT, CFC, CFT and FO are calling for a general pay increase and higher minimum wages at the group's subsidiaries across the country and criticise the company for failing to protect employees' purchasing power and distributing company shares in a way that disproportionately benefits senior management.
Jan. 29, 2019
Energy workers get 5.6% pay increase
The fourth round of bargaining at the Uniper energy company ended with the signing of a new two-year agreement backdated to 1 January 2019. The 5000 employees will get an initial increase of 2.4% followed by a further 3.2% in December. Apprentice payments will increase by 15.5%. Energy union ver.di is pleased with the deal which it says would not have been possible without the mobilisation of workers and warning strikes.
Jan. 17, 2019
Unions push for better pay deal in energy company
Services and energy union ver.di along with the IGBCE union organised warning strikes on 15 and 16 January in the Uniper energy company to put pressure on the employer to come up with a better pay offer. The unions want a 6.8% pay increase over a 12 month period plus a EUR 160 increase for trainees. So far Uniper has offered only 1.8% in March 2019 and 2.2% in 2020. The unions say this would be effectively a cut in pay in real terms and if the company doesn't improve its offer then all-out strikes would be considered.
Dec. 05, 2018
Courageous and immediate policy action needed to reduce health impacts of climate change
New research published in "The Lancet" ahead of the COP24 shows that emissions, climate change and rising temperatures are already exposing people around the globe to unacceptably high health risks.
Nov. 30, 2018
Slow progress in energy network sector negotiations
Negotiations over a new collective agreement to cover energy network companies have yet to make progress 10 months after they first got underway. A trade union demonstration outside the venue for the negotiations highlighted the main demands for a 3.5% pay increase, measures to reduce temporary work and other excessive flexible working and an initiative on sustainable working time. The working time initiative is aimed at older workers and would offer them the chance to work 80% of their normal hours for 90% of normal pay while protecting 100% of their pension entitlement.
Nov. 23, 2018
22.11.2018 ETUC delegation and employer organisations meet EU Commission Vice-President Šefčovič
European social partners meet EU Commissioner Sefkovic over long-term climate change strategy
Public policy backed by public investment and quality public services are the tools to achieve the long-term goal of preventing climate chaos and delivering on just transition.
Oct. 15, 2018
energy transition ©CanStockPhoto ibreakstock
EPSU’s Standing committee on Utilities puts just transition at the centre of its activities
On 11 October 2018, EPSU’s Utilities Standing Committee came together to discuss several urgent issues.
