Health and Social Services, Health
EPSU is a strong voice for the about 10.5 million social service workers in the EU and in other European countries. Our aims are to protect and improve social services across Europe as well as the employment conditions of workers in the sector. EPSU is actively involved in initiatives exploring the scope and format for social dialogue in social services at EU-level..
There are millions of social service workers across Europe who provide vital care for children, the elderly, the disabled and others with urgent needs – whether at home or in institutions. Their work and contribution to society is undervalued and more often than not poorly rewarded. Women make up the majority of the social services workforce and in many countries migrant workers also make an invaluable contribution to the sector. Gender equality runs through all of EPSU’s work and is central to its activities in social services as is action to defend migrant workers’ rights.
EPSU is making a clear case for more resources for the sector and for better pay and conditions for social service workers, for more and better collective agreements, for proper training and professional development. Supporting quality, affordable and accessible social services is an essential investment that brings both economic and social benefits.
EPSU’s thematic priorities in social services are long-term care for the elderly, including personal care and household services, childcare as well as organising in the sector on which you find more information by clicking on the links below:
EPSU response to consultation on Green Paper on the Modernisation of the Professional Qualifications Directive
(Brussels 20 September 2011) EPSU today submitted a contribution to the public consultation on the Green Paper on the Modernisation of the Professional Qualifications Directive - COM(2011) 367 final -
ver.di campaign on fighting social dumping for health care workers
(5 May 2011 Berlin/Brussels) On 15 April 2011 German EPSU affiliate Vereinigte Dienstleistungsgewerkschaft (ver.di) launched an initiative to promote ethical cross-border recruitment and the concept of good work with the
Tackling third party violence and harassment in the health care sector in Bulgaria and across Europe
(Brussels, 18 April 2011) EPSU participated in a round table on the organised by Bulgarian member Federation of Trade Unions – Health Services (FTU-HS) and the Bulgarian Association of Health
EPSU contribution to European Innovation Platform "Active and Healthy Ageing"
(Brussels 9 February 2011) EPSU (the European Federation of Public Services Unions) contributed to the European Commission consultation on the European Innovation Platform "Active and Healthy Ageing". EPSU´s reply was
Draft Directive on patient's rights in cross-border health care – hope for reasonable compromise
Press release (Brussels, 18 January 2011) The European Federation of Public Services Unions (EPSU), that organises workers amongst others in the health sector, ahead of the vote in the European
Proposal for a Directive on patients' rights in cross-border healthcare – Social partners' reaction to second reading in the ENVI Committee (on 27 October 2010)
Dear Colleagues, Please find enclosed a set of joint EPSU – HOSPEEM comments as contribution to the ongoing trialogue discussions. We think that this joint social partner contribution can be