PPPs, Low pay/minimum wages
Report challenges assumptions on private sector efficiency
There is no empirical evidence that the private sector is intrinsically more efficient than the public sector. This is the main conclusion from a comprehensive review of hundreds of studies covering all forms of privatisation across many different sectors.
EPSU Briefing on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) "11 facts about public-private partnerships (PPPs)"
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are not the answer to public finance constraints. This updated briefing from the Public Services International Research Unit (PSIRU) highlights the serious financial and operational problems that have arisen with PPPs.
Public-Private Partnerships Summary paper and reports on PPPs
A report commissioned by the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU). This paper is a summary of three reports commissioned by the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) dealing with the subject of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in Europe.
Public rescue for more failed private finance institutions - a critique of the EC green paper on PPPs
A new report by the Public Service International Research Unit cautions the European Commission against enthusiastically endorsing public-private partnerships, contending that PPPs, as they are known, do not supplement public spending – they absorb it.
EPSU briefing "10 facts about public-private partnerships (PPPs)"
a briefing from the Public Services Internal Research Unit (PSIRU) on the problems that PPPs can cause. We hope that this is useful to you in the upcoming discussions on the European Commission’s (EC) legislative proposal regarding concessions, expected soon. This is likely to cover many forms of PPPs.
Juncker's plan promotes PPPs which socialise risks and privatise profits - new briefings show
(Press Communication – 16 December 2014) - The Juncker investment plan will be under scrutiny at this week’s European Council with many questions still to be clarified about how it will work in practice.
Why Public-Private Partnerships don't work, The many advantages of the public alternative (New PSI publication)
The Juncker Investment Plan to create a European Fund for Strategic Investment is aiming to use public money to get more private funding. It hopes to stimulate more Public Private Partnerships.
Private Sector Dominates UNECE Forum on PPPs
Public Services International (PSI) has criticised the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) for a lack of democracy and an almost demagogic bias in favour of the private sector as it tries to set global standards for Public-Private Partnerships.
Civil service union takes action on pay
On 9 October the KTAMS civil service union organised a day of strike action in all workplaces in which it organises in protest at the sharply falling purchasing power of workers' pay. A steep decline in the Turkish Lira has led to much higher inflation, leaving the minimum wage effectively below the poverty level. The union wants to see legislation that will ensure the increasing cost of living is reflected in workers' pay on a monthly basis. During the day's strike action, KTAMS is organising a march to the parliament to present its proposals.
Union pickets ministry over pay and conditions of bus workers
EPSU affiliate LAKRS organised a picket of the ministry of transport on 4 October calling for better pay and conditions and a collective agreement covering bus workers. The union wants to see a minimum wage of EUR 7 an hour for drivers and action to tackle the widespread problem of long working hours.