Health and Safety

On 5 and 6 December 2024, prison workers across Brussels and Flanders conducted a 24-hour strike to protest against severe overcrowding and escalating violence within penitentiaries. The action, organized by a joint trade union front, included facilities in Haren and Saint-Gilles, with participation from all EPSU affiliates in the prison service . The unions have long highlighted the dangers of overcrowding, which has led to inhumane living conditions for inmates and increased aggression towards staff. Despite repeated calls for additional facilities and specialized cells to manage violent

On 17 October 2024, healthcare workers across Greece will participate in a nationwide strike organized by ADEDY , the Federation of Associations of Hospital Doctors of Greece (OENGE) , and the Panhellenic Federation of Public Hospital Workers (POEDIN). These unions are pressing for wage increases, the mass recruitment of permanent healthcare staff, and substantial public investment to improve the health system, which they argue has been underfunded for too long. This strike is not only a response to the rising cost of living but also to the severe staff shortages and growing concerns about the

The Spanish government’s decision to include home care workers under the same regulations as domestic workers has caused widespread concern in the sector. UGT Servicios Públicos expressed its opposition to the change during a recent meeting of the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU), pointing out that this move undermines the professionalization of home care workers that has been pursued since the introduction of the Dependency Law. The new Royal Decree 893/2024, which regulates health and safety in the household sector, fails to acknowledge the distinct nature of home care