We've moved to a new site!

Join us at publicservices.international - for all the latest news, resources and struggles from around the world.

We are no longer updating world-psi.org and it will be progressively phased out: all content will be migrated to the new site and old links will redirect eventually.

Europe

PSI is represented in Europe by the European Federation of Public Service Unions, based in Brussels. For more on our activities in this region, please see the EPSU website

You can also view a list of European affiliates or contact European regional offices

PSI World Women's Committee held in Geneva

13 November 2018

Trade unionists, representing Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa and Inter-America, came together for the PSI World Women's Committee (WOC) on 13 November at the ILO headquarters in Geneva.

ILO study reveals bankruptcy of pensions privatisation

07 November 2018
Photo: PSI/Shutterstock.com

A new publication by the ILO confirms PSI’s long-held position: the privatisation of public pension systems has delivered vast returns to a tiny financial elite while diminishing the incomes of workers in retirement.

31 October: UN World Cities Day – “Stop precarious work in local public services!”

30 October 2018

On UN World Cities Day 2018, PSI calls the United Nations, governments and mayors to halt the widespread use of precarious work in local and regional government services that hurts local communities, undermines the quality and accessibility of local public services, and stands in the way of achieving sustainable, inclusive and resilient cities (SDG11).

UN poverty expert warns against tsunami of unchecked privatisation

26 October 2018
psi/shutterstock.com

New report on "Extreme poverty and Human rights" finds that "widespread privatisation of public goods in many societies is systematically eliminating human rights protections and further marginalising those living in poverty".

PCS wins £3million check-off compensation

18 October 2018

PSI affiliate PCS has achieved a major victory over the UK government in a dispute over the check-off system for union dues. On 16 October 2018, the High Court ruled that ministers acted illegally by withdrawing check-off in a brutal attempt to bankrupt the union.

Over 8,000 women in Glasgow to strike over gender-based pay discrimination in public services

18 October 2018
GMB members (left to right) Gillian Docherty, Eileen Dougall, Shona Thomson and Lee-Ann Dougall (Jane Barlow/PA)

Thousands of school staff, caterers, cleaners, nursery and care workers - members of PSI affiliates UNISON and GMB - will begin a 48-hour strike action on 23 October. The decision comes after a 12-year tribunal battle, and a repeated refusal by the city council to state its position after the highest court in Scotland ruled last year that the city’s pay system was discriminatory.

PSI trade unions fight for decent work and trade union rights in Ukraine

18 October 2018

Almost 20 thousand trade union members, from FPU and its member organisations, representing public sector workers, doctors, teachers, miners, communal workers, metalworkers, etc. marched through Kyiv on October 17 chanting “Jobs, Wages, Decent Life!”

Report of the SESH Working Group meeting

10 July 2015

The report of the PSI working group meeting on Safe and Effective Staffing for Health (SESH), that met on 11-12 May 2015 at UNISON in London, is now available for download in English, French and Spanish.

ICRICT declaration

11 June 2015

On 2 June 2015, the Independent Commission for the Reform of International Corporate Taxation (ICRICT) launched a global declaration calling for an overhaul of the outdated international corporate tax system and demanding broad, sweeping changes in the current rules and governing institutions.

Speech by Rosa Pavanelli at the ILC 2015

05 June 2015
Rosa Pavanelli speaking at ILC 2015

PSI General Secretary, Rosa Pavanelli, spoke at the 104th International Labour Conference (ILC) on Friday 5 June 2015.

Golden Dodges: How McDonald’s Avoids Paying its Fair Share of Tax

13 May 2015

This new report, released on 19 May, reveals that McDonald’s is using aggressive strategies to avoid paying tax in some of its largest markets.

Charter: PSI Education Support and Cultural Workers’ Network

22 April 2015

During the founding meeting of the PSI Education Support and Cultural Workers Network (ESCW), that took place on 18-19 November 2014 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a charter of the network was adopted.

Our public water future: The global experience with remunicipalisation

18 April 2015

Privatisation on the backfoot as new book shows that the growing wave of cities putting water back under public control has now spread to 37 countries impacting 100 million people.

Publication: Why Public-Private Partnerships don’t work

17 March 2015
Why Public Private Partnerships don’t work

The new report Why Public-Private-Partnerships (PPPs) don’t work: The many advantages of the public alternative contains a combination of 30 years of research by David Hall, former Director of Public Services International Research Unit (PSIRU) University of Greenwich, UK.

Report: Unhappy Meal

27 February 2015

This report is the product of a coalition of European and American trade unions, representing more than 15 million workers in different sectors of the economy in 40 countries, and War on Want, the U.K.-based anti-poverty campaign group. The members of the coalition work towards an economy built on decent jobs and a fair, progressive tax system at the global, E.U., and national levels. It is the first time that we have joined forces to highlight an example of corporate tax avoidance, a critical issue a¬ecting the future of democracy and the welfare state.

Wealth: Having It All and Wanting More

25 February 2015

This research paper published by Oxfam International shows that the richest 1 percent have seen their share of global wealth increase from 44 percent in 2009 to 48 percent in 2014 and at this rate will be more than 50 percent in 2016.

Banner: Right to strike

13 February 2015

Use these banners in your Right to Strike activities on 18 February and until 21 March.

Secret proposal for trade in health services in direct conflict with global agenda for health

03 February 2015

A recently leaked proposal tabled by Turkey in the TISA negotiations argues for a system that promotes insurance reimbursement (for those who have health insurance) for treatment at lower cost in another country.

PSI and EI Cooperation Agreement

18 December 2014

On 18th December 2014, PSI General Secretary, Rosa Pavanelli, and EI General Secretary, Fred Van Leeuwen, signed a cooperation agreement that will strengthen public sector unions in their joint action.

Briefing on US TISA proposal on E-commerce, Technology Transfer, Cross-border Data Flows and Net Neutrality

17 December 2014

A proposal by the US Trade Representative (USTR) dated 25 April 2014 to the Trade in Services Agreement (TISA) negotiations has been leaked. It focuses on e-commerce, technology transfer, cross-border data flows and net neutrality.

On Migrants Day, PSI reiterates its commitment to decent work and social protection for all

15 December 2014
Photo: Gustave Deghilage - Creative Commons

Public Services International (PSI) marks December 18th – International Migrants Day, with continued vigour and commitment to fight for decent work and social protection for migrant workers.

Stand for democracy at work on Human Rights Day!

10 December 2014
SEIU, US. Photo: Carrie Sloan, Creative Commons

“Everyone must enjoy full access to decent work, education, health, safety and peace,” says Rosa Pavanelli, PSI General Secretary. On International Human Rights Day, PSI calls on its affiliates and activists to unite and stand firm against the attack on core labour rights and freedoms.