Gas, Migration
Fighting for the rights of migrants and asylum-seekers
Migration has major implications for public services not least because of the significant contribution of migrant workers to the provision of public services in many European countries. Thousands of public service employees across Europe work in areas related to migrations and asylum-seeking. Unfortunately, the European and national response to asylum-seekers has often fallen pitifully short of what should be expected from one of the wealthiest regions in the world and EPSU has been arguing hard for a change of approach, criticising the European Union’s policies which continue to focus on tightening borders, pushing back refugees and outsourcing asylum duties to third countries. EPSU, along with PSI, has also been calling for an end to privatisation and increased public investment in the public services that are vital to ensure the safe and effective integration of migrants and asylum-seekers into society. This briefing, prepared for EPSU's 2019 Congress provides some background on EPSU's activities in this area.
Union network calls for better protection for migrant care workers
(March 2017 ) The vpod public services union has a special network set up four years ago campaigning for better protection for migrant care workers. The union argues that the federal government is well aware of the level of exploitation of this group of workers but has failed to take any measures to regulate this area of work. Recent press reports have highlighted the situation facing care workers and the lack of legal protection.
New report highlights Europe’s failings regarding asylum seekers and refugees
Today as the EU Council discusses migration, a new report on ‘the Refugee Crisis and the Greek Public Services,’ published by Greek public service union ADEDY, draws attention to some of the major difficulties which have arisen at the EU borders,
Supreme Court confirms holiday pay ruling
(March 2017) The Supreme Court has ruled that energy company British Gas can no longer appeal against a European Court ruling that holiday pay should take account of earnings based on commission. The case has been supported by public services union Unison and is based on the Working Time Directive. The union challenged British Gas because it restricted holiday pay only to basic pay which penalised workers who received a lot of commission pay. Unison is concerned about the impact of Brexit on this important legislation.
Support for recast posted workers directive
(January 2017) Last month the European Economic and Social Committee gave its backing in principle to the European Commission's proposed recast of the Posted Workers Directive. It noted in particular how the concept of "remuneration" might help ensure equal pay for equal work but on time limits suggested six rather than 24 months. The ETUC is coordinating lobbying work around the Directive which is being discussed in the European Parliament's Employment Committee with a deadline for amendments of 9 February.
EPSU defends undocumented migrants on International Migrants Day
(Press Release) ‘I am proud that many of our affiliates support, defend and organise undocumented migrants, as they fight for access to public services, such as health and education’, said EPSU General Secretary, Jan Willem Goudriaan.
Social Partners in LRG adopt revised guidelines on migration and anti-discrimination practices
Social Partners on the European Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee on Local and Regional Governments, meeting today in Brussels, approved and adopted the revised EPSU-CEMR Guidelines on strengthening anti-discrimination measures in
New Forms of Service Delivery in municipalities, good practice for occupational health and safety and social dialogue are interlinked!
CEMR and EPSU organized the final conference in Barcelona to discuss the final project report and recommendations on new forms of service delivery for municipalities, the contribution of social dialogue and well-being at work.
EPSU Executive Committee addresses Tax Justice, Brexit, situation in Turkey, CETA, elects new leadership and much more
We have a new President in EPSU. Isolde Kunkel-Weber from the German union Ver.di was elected and will take over from Annelie Nordstrom. Mette Nord from the Norwegian union Fagforbundet was elected vice-President.