PRESS STATEMENT
Public sector general strike in Italy, 30 November 2004
Public Services International (PSI) and the European Federation of Public Service Trade Unions (EPSU) support their public sector affiliates in the strike action they are taking on 30th of November against the new fiscal and financial plan for 2005.
The Italian government's plans for tax cuts are unjust, wrong and unsuited to tackling the economic and social situation in the country. The tax cuts will only benefit the rich at the expense of those on average and lower incomes.
The government's plans will take away means for investment and improvement of the welfare, and will cause a reduction of public services and a heavier toll on the citizens. The burden will be transferred to poor people and to the workers, which is profoundly unfair.
PSI and EPSU, representing more than 20 million public sector workers, condemn this policy. The Italian government should resolve the outstanding negotiations with public sector workers and ensure that workers and pensioners alike enjoy a real increase to their wages and benefits.
Investment in education and quality public services along with an increase in purchasing power for the majority are what the Italian economy needs to expand and create employment.
For more information, please contact:
Jürgen Buxbaum, European Secretary, PSI (33 4 50 40 11 51)
Carola Fischbach-Pyttel, General Secretary, EPSU (32 2 250 10 80)
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