Solidarity, Culture
Supporting campaigns, strikes and protests
Solidarity is a core area of our joint European trade union work There are common elements to many of the actions of public service unions as we fight for better pay and working conditions or when we defend trade union rights or protest against privatisation and attacks on public services. Any expression of solidarity is welcomed by unions and it can be a real boost to their campaign when EPSU, its affiliates and other trade union organisations, not only send messages of support but also messages of protest to companies, employers and governments. This briefing gives examples of our solidarity work in recent years.
Still some way to go to establish pension scheme for culture workers
Trade unions Fagforbundet, NTL and Creo working with the LO confederation are in negotiations over a pension scheme for the culture sector. This follows last year’s strike where the unions achieved a commitment from the employers for a hybrid scheme that ensured payments for life and equal treatment of men and women. The main sticking point is that the Spekter employers’ organisation is talking about a defined contribution scheme but the unions argue that this will make it impossible to determine what individuals will actually get at retirement. The negotiations will form part of the spring
Orpea: Bremen labour court upholds allegations of anti-union harassment
(Press Release) The Bremen Bremerhaven labour court yesterday found that a German subsidiary of the Orpea Group subjected the chair of their works council to a sustained campaign of anti-union ‘bullying’ over the past year.
Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee for Hospitals and Healthcare Sector approves joint solidarity message to Ukrainian colleagues
Among other issues, the social dialogue partners discussed and approved a joint statement of solidarity with Ukrainian employers, trade unions and workers in the hospital and healthcare sector.
Unions in Northeastern Europe express solidarity with Ukrainian workers and people
Fighting continues after the Russian army invaded Ukraine. The Ukrainian unions thank all for the messages of solidarity and support. It is now important to turn that in concrete assistance. The financial support via the ETUC/ITUC solidarity fund remains important.