European Social Dialogue Committee in central government administrations: a huge achievement !

(PR 21 December 2010) On 17 December 2010, TUNED and EUPAE established a European Social Dialogue Committee for central government administrations (Genval, Belgium).

TUNED spokesperson and co-chair of the Committee, Mr Charles Cochrane (PCS, UK) says "This is a huge achievement. At long last, state sector workers and employers have the same rights at EU level as other sectors of the economy. Central government is recognised as a sector in its own right and we will do our best to contribute to its positive development. Amid austerity measures in a majority of EU government administrations, we are facing major common challenges. The Committee will facilitate sharing of information and influence EU initiatives affecting more than 7 million employees in central government. It is the beginning of a real social dialogue that will include, no doubt, both formal and informal discussions.”

Belgian Minister for civil service and public companies, Mrs Inge Vervotte on behalf of EUPAE, in the chair of the newly formed Committee adds “It is up to us, as representatives of the central government administrations, to turn this committee into the success it can be. Only by a constructive, open minded and respectful social dialogue, we can prove ourselves as a trustworthy and strategic partner at the European level.

The establishment of the committee provides TUNED and EUPAE with the status of social partners and the support needed for an effective social dialogue at EU level. It will allow employers and trade unions to have a direct sectoral input in EU policies affecting central government administrations. It follows on from the successful TUNED/EUPAN’s test phase in 2008 and 2009 on formalisation, with the support of the European Commission.

The social dialogue process is supported by the European Commission. The committee will consist of trade union and employer representatives from central government administrations in the 27 EU Member States, candidate countries and Norway.

At its first plenary meeting scheduled for 14 February 2011, the Committee will adopt a multiannual work programme.

For more information please contact:

TUNED: Nadja Salson, [email protected] + 32 2 250 10 88

EUPAE: Bruno Neckebroeck, [email protected]

TUNED is the Trade Unions’ National and European Administration Delegation that consists of state sector trade unions affiliated to EPSU (www.epsu.org) and CESI (www.cesi.org)

EUPAE stands for the EU Public Administration Employers.

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- Press Release 21 December: