Energy
Jul. 09, 2019
Unions secure 3.7% increase for energy workers
The ver.di and IG BCE energy unions have negotiated a new 18-month agreement covering around 20000 workers. The TG Energie negotiations include EON Energie and a range of other electricity and gas companies. The main element of the agreement is a 3.7% pay increase. There will also be a 75 EURO a month increase for trainees along with a commitment that they will be offered a job once they successfully complete their training. This commitment will be in force until 2022.
Jun. 21, 2019
Right to Energy Coalition event 19-20 June 2019, Brussels
European coalition for the Right to Energy moves forward
This week the Right to Energy coalition organised an European event with over 100 participants from 20 countries and several European organisations.
Apr. 12, 2019
Presidium of the 4. Congress RETUN-SEE in Belgrade, 11 April 2019 - EPSU GS joins energy unions South East Europe
Energy unions South East Europe consider climate change, restructuring and bargaining
With all the countries of South East Europe being members of the Energy Community, the impact of European Union energy policies is felt beyond the borders of the EU.
Apr. 03, 2019
Verdi support for European actions World Health Day 01042019 with Sylvia Buhler and Frank Warneke
Verdi health and social services against commercialisation and privatisation. In solidarity with DISK President standing trial
Leading activists of Verdi in the health and social services joined European actions against the privatisation and commercialisation of health and social care.
Mar. 27, 2019
Energy union protests over failure to consult
At its meeting on 21 March, the central committee of the Nuclear Energy and Industry Workers’ Union (NEIWUU) protested about restructuring being carried out in the Chernobyl exclusion zone, where the authority responsible for the zone was taking decisions without consulting the union. The NEIWUU expressed concern about violations of social obligations that are stipulated by the sectoral agreement. The union also gave examples of staff relocations where it had to remind the authority that it had to consult with the union as required by the Labour Code. This was the sixth reform applied to workers in the zone and the NEIWUU says the authority has repeatedly ignored the union. The NEIWUU is also worried about commitments to increase wages and how this will be funded, with concerns that jobs will be cut if no additional funding is secured.
Mar. 14, 2019
Trade Unions for Energy Democracy network supports YouthForClimate, 14 March 2019, Brussels, EPSU offices
People and Planet Before Profit says group in support of #YouthforClimate Action
The demand for urgent action to address climate change by #YouthForClimate is supported by a broad group of trade unionists, environmentalists, energy poverty and social action campaigners that met on the eve of the 15th march Global #Strike for the Climate.
Feb. 27, 2019
Energy employers' pay offer well below union target
The first pay offer from the employers in the AVEU regional negotiations covering mainly energy companies is some way off the pay claim submitted by the unions. Services union ver.di is aiming for a 6.1% pay increase over 12 months with a EUR 150 a month increase for trainees. The union conducted a broad consultation of members and there was clear support for a pay rise that compensated for inflation and increased productivity and that would give workers a share of the economic success of companies in the sector. In contrast, the employers have offered a 27-month deal with two increases of 2.1% and a three-month period of no increase but with a lump sum payment.
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