The EPSU public utilities committee dealing with energy, water, waste met 7 April in Luxembourg. It discussed the following issues amongst others:
Internal market for electricity and gas
A presentation was given by Steve Thomas of PSIRU (www.psiru.org) on a report he will prepare for EPSU. This report will ensure an input of EPSU into the evaluation of the Commission on the functioning of the internal market and as the basis for the proposals of EPSU to change the internal market. Members remain critical of the benefits of the internal market and all report that cuts in staff, unbundling and out-sourcing are threatening security of supply and a change of direction is needed. The programme for the conference 3 and 4 November was agreed.
South East European Energy Treaty
Members discussed progress and continue to demand a social dimension to this Treaty (>read the press release)
Energy dialogue with Russia and Ukraine
The leadership approaches were agreed.
Social dialogue at intersectoral level, and with Eurelectric and Eurogas
Reports were provided and new issues considered such as corporate social responsibility. The new Communication on restructuring is worthwhile to be reflected upon. The Standing Committee approved the work of the EPSU delegation (>see the social dialogue section).
World Water Day 22 March 2006
Members agreed that World Water Day 2006 should be made the focus of campaign work on keeping water public (>read the open letter)
Waste
Members welcomed the conference on 20 June and agreed a work group to accompany the waste work.
Report of activities, including meetings with Dutch Presidency, MEPs and European Commissioner Piebalgs.
Recent developments regarding European Works Councils
A report was approved. An increase in activity was noted as EPSU and affiliated trade unions seek to cover more multinational companies (>see the EWCs section).
- Log in to post comments