National and European Administration
Austerity measures, workers' information and consultation rights, access to and quality of administrations, trust in governments, quality and diversity, well-being at work are key concerns that guide EPSU’s work in national and European administration. As representatives of workers in this sector, EPSU works hard to address these core issues through social dialogue with employers at national and European level. We are active on behalf of prison service staff, tax collectors, embassy staff, labour inspectors and many more.
EPSU is the recognized and most representative European social partner in central governments that employ more than 9 million workers and civil servants. in central government administrations. More can be read about the structure and background of the Social Dialogue Committee here. In October 2023 the NEA Standing Committee elected Karin Brunzell, ST Sweden, and Alain Parisot, UNSA France, as co-chairs of the Committee, and Federico Trastulli, UILPA Italy, as vice-chair. Nadja Salson is the EPSU Policy Officer responsible for the sector.
EPSU’s work in this sector has led a number of campaigns, most notably on tax justice and transparency. Our NEA work also incorporates advocacy and training for workers on the frontline of refugee and migrant reception services.
View contactsFirst meeting of the year for the EU social partners for central governments: whistleblowers’ protection, digitalisation, violence and harassment on the agenda
At their meeting on 8 February, the EU social partners, EUPAE and TUNED, finalized and adopted a statement calling for an effective transposition of the EU directive on whistleblowers’ protection in central or federal governments
Trade Union rights project - Defending and strengthening trade union rights across the public services
Many of our members face restrictions on the right to organise, negotiate and take strike action. In some countries the limitations or complete bans impact particularly on uniformed staff –
Commission analyses reveal gaps in working time protection
European Commission reports on the Working Time Directive, published on 15 March, reveal that Member States’ legislation is generally compliant, but that some problems remain in ensuring that the legislation is having full effect, particularly across all public services.
Federations agree next steps on trade union rights
Meeting in Skopje in North Macedonia on 22 September, public service trade unions from across Europe agreed to continue to work together to defend and strengthen trade union rights for employees, civil servants and all uniformed staff, from firefighters and health workers to police and military personnel.
Social Dialogue Committee for Central Government Administrations
The European Social Dialogue Committee for Central Government Administrations (SDC CGA) was established by the European Commission in 2010. It brings together representatives of trade unions (TUNED), led by EPSU, and employers (EUPAE) from this sector.
More support needed for health, care, and public service workers in new Mental Health Strategy
EPSU welcomes the European Commission’s proposed Mental Health Strategy but cautions that the strategy cannot achieve its goals without directly addressing the serious problems already facing the workers who will be instrumental in its implementation.