Working Time, PPPs
Negotiating and campaigning on working time
After pay, working time is core collective bargaining issue but is also an important area of employment regulated by national and European legislation. EPSU has been very active in defending and calling for proper implementation of the Working Time Directive and is involved in current debates on working time. The why and how of working time reduction is a guide produced for EPSU by the European Trade Union Institute and examines long-term trends in working time, the arguments for reducing it and examples of how this has been achieved.
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.
Confederations plans series of anti-austerity actions
(May 2016) The three confederations are mobilising for a series of actions over the next few months culminating in a general strike on 7 October, the second anniversary of the centre-right government. The unions are angry about continuing cuts to public services but also to the threat to the 38-hour week. They are calling for more investment in public services and a range of other measures to boost the economy. The first major event will be a joint national demonstration on 24 May in Brussels. Read more at FGTB (FR), ABVV (NL), CSC (FR), ACV (NL), CGSLB (FR), ACLVB (NL)
Back to 35-hour week in public sector
(July 2016) Public sector workers have won back their right to a 35-hour week. Legislation came into effect earlier this month reversing the increase to 40 hours a week pushed through as part of a range of austerity measures in 2013. Most workers benefit immediately although implementation in some cases may be delayed to ensure continuity of service. Public sector unions have been waging a high-profile campaign against the five-hour increase, negotiating hundreds of local agreements across the public sector to retain the 35-hour week. Read more at CGTP (PT) and UGT (PT).
Unions welcome President's veto of Labour Code
(July 2016) Trade unions have welcomed the decision by President Dalia Grybauskaitė to veto the draft Labour Code. She said that the Code fails to provide adequate protections for workers and she has sent it back to Parliament with 22 suggested amendments. The unions have been campaigning against the Code since last autumn, warning of the impact of measures that would relax rules on working time and make it easier for employers to sack workers. Read more at Baltic Times (EN) and EPSU (EN).