Electricity, 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.
Skills2Power: building skills in the electricity sector national workshops
Over the past 2 years the European Social Partners in the electricity sector, industriAll European Trade Union, the European Public Service Union (EPSU), representing the trade unions and Eureletric, representing the employer organisations have engaged together with Spin360, in the project Skills2Power.
PSI/EPSU Joint Statement - The Rights-Based Approach to Migration in 3 Phrases: Solidarity, Human Rights and Root Causes
This year, we mark International Migrants’ Day by amplifying the call for a rights-based approach to migration, contained in 3 phrases: solidarity, human rights and root causes.
Energy unions address restructuring threat
Four energy trade union in France organised another day of action on 17 December in protest at what they see as major threats to the sector, such as the “Hercule” restructuring plans at EDF, and its public service mission. FNME-CGT, CFE-CGC Énergies, FO Énergie et Mines and FCE-CFDT are concerned that key decisions about the sector are being taken without proper consultation both with the unions and in parliament. Meanwhile, the Filctem-Cgil, Flaei-Cisl and Uiltec energy unions in Italy achieved a significant victory in the ENEL company following a campaign of industrial action. The unions
Solidarity with EDF and ENGIE workers fighting against restructuring projects
On November 26, workers in the French multinational electric utility companies ENGIE and EDF are mobilising to defend the future of their jobs, the public energy sector and to demand the suspension of the companies’ current restructuring projects.
Public utility workers: The unseen frontline responders in the Corona Crisis
The coronavirus pandemic has now infected more than 2 million people worldwide and caused over 145,000 deaths. Like so many other key workers, workers in the waste collection, water and energy distribution sectors are risking their lives
Overlooked: migrant workers in the COVID-19 crisis
Migrant workers in Europe are on the frontline of the response to the COVID-19 crisis. Now more than ever, the crucial contribution of migrant workers to support European economies, public services and fill labour shortages is crystal clear.
Digitalisation at the heart of social partners’ commitment to keep the lights on
In these times of public health crisis, digital technologies enable the electricity sector to keep the lights on, adapting traditional models from generation to smart infrastructure in our constantly transforming industry.