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Emergencies and Disasters

PSI represents first responders and frontline workers. These are the people who put their lives at risk in order to protect and save your families. First responders include firefighters and emergency medical technicians, police and other uniformed services. They are also the frontline workers in hospitals and health clinics, in schools, in energy and water utilities; in public transport; in civil administration and in a range of other areas. All of us depend on these people being able to do their jobs, having the right tools and training.

Hurricane Irma wreaks havoc, devastates countries in the Caribbean: Hurricane Jose follows

08 September 2017

PSI's General Secretary Rosa Pavanelli has expressed her condolences on the loss of life in the Caribbean following the passage of Hurricane Irma, and her sadness at the devastation wrought throughout the northern Caribbean by the Hurricane.

PSI statement on floods and natural disasters

04 September 2017
The National Guard/CC

The heavy flooding last week in Texas and in parts of India, Bangladesh and Nepal is causing significant loss of life and livelihood and major damage to communities. PSI joins all in sending condolences to those affected, and expresses concern about the growing frequency and intensity of such storms and the capacity of public emergency services to cope.

Solidarity following Sierra Leone mudslide

24 August 2017

PSI has sent a solidarity letter to its affiliates in Sierra Leone following the devastating mudslide that took place on 14 August near Freetown. This is one of Africa's worst flooding-related disasters in years killing hundreds and leaving thousands homeless.

PSI Communications team launches “One Day” a PSI video series on public service workers starting with firefighters, child care and waste collection workers

21 April 2017
Rubbish collectors in Siena

The PSI Communications team has started a series of videos on the everyday work and dedication of public sector workers and the value they bring to their communities. The PSI team will visit about 10 countries in 5 continents and cover professions from the whole PSI affiliate spectrum facilitated by participating affiliates and PSI staff where possible. The first filming took place in Rome and Siena, Italy, and was facilitated by PSI affiliate CGIL Funzione Pubblica (CGIL-FP).

Municipal workers’ unions in Ecuador back on track to unity and a role in local development policies

05 December 2016

The International Meeting of Municipal Trade Unions, held in Quito on 22 October 2016 and sponsored by the PSI through its IMPACT project in Ecuador, provided an opportunity for municipal trade union representatives that participated in PSI’s international delegation to Habitat III to meet representatives of Ecuadorian municipal trade unions and professional organisations.

Saving Lives Needs Safety!

27 November 2016

25 November - International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Trade unions are struggling to end violence at the workplace and in society. We stand for peaceful solutions, a culture of dialogue based on the human right to health, peace and social protection. In all countries, we need a strong commitment from governments to address the deeply rooted causes of violence against women: inequality and discrimination.

WHO lifts global emergency on Zika: better funded public healthcare needed to curb epidemics

21 November 2016
Photo: WHO/PAHO

The WHO's announcement that the spread of the Zika virus is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern is both a welcome development and a cause for apprehension. PSI is strongly of the view that this must not be taken as an excuse by governments to reduce much needed funding and attention prioritisation for building stronger health systems and crisis preparedness.

Resolution 3: Building a disaster-resilient society through the enhancement of public services

30 November 2012

The 29th World Congress of Public Services International (PSI), meeting in Durban, South Africa, on 27-30 November 2012