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Quality Public Services

In co-operation with other global federations of unions, PSI has launched the Quality Public Services – Action Now! campaign. This campaign unites public and private sector trade unions, municipal governments and civil society groups in advancing quality public services as the best means of building equitable, sustainable, peaceful and democratic societies. We believe investment in quality public services backed by fair taxation policies is a key solution to the economic crisis.

From public good to profit margin: how privatisation is failing our communities

06 March 2017
Photograph: Terry Vine/Getty Images/Blend Images

David Hetherington, Chair of the People's Inquiry, has penned an article for the Guardian based on what he learned from traveling around Australia speaking to communities about the impact of privatisation. When institutions that fulfil a deeply human function – teaching, caring for people at their most vulnerable moments – are forced to behave like businesses, everyone loses.

In Brazil, public spending will be frozen for 20 years

14 December 2016

"Unfortunately, if this measure is not reversed, the scenario for the next two decades is disastrous: chaos will be installed in the public health and education systems, while the privatization of the sector will be increased", says Jocelio Drummond, from Public Services International. Protests against the measure were severely repressed.

7 October - For the World Day of Decent Work, PSI launches campaign for women’s economic empowerment

05 October 2016

Around 70 women representing 22 countries from PSI's Asia Pacific region will launch, during APRECON in Japan, what is being called the "Fukuoka Statement". With the slogan “Unions at the core of women’s economic empowerment in the changing world of work”, the document will serve as a roadmap towards the UNCSW61.

People's Inquiry Into Privatisation Launches

18 August 2016

The impact on ordinary Australians of privatising essential public assets and services will be examined in a People’s Inquiry launched by Public Services International; hearings will start in Newcastle on 5 September and conclude in Canberra on 27 October.

Statement of Rosa Pavanelli to Habitat III at Prepcom3 in Surabaya, Indonesia

07 August 2016

PSI's General Secretary, who is Vice-Chair of the Trade Unions and Workers Constituent Group, addresses member states negotiating the New Urban Agenda at the 3rd plenary of the 3rd session of the Preparatory Committee.

The response of public sector workers to the 16 April earthquake in Ecuador

21 July 2016

Through the testimonies collected, it was found that these workers are not seen as victims, although they also lost their homes, clothes and food. In addition, they had to leave their families to meet their obligations in the public sector.

PrepCom3 on Habitat III

20 July 2016
PSI side event at PrepCom3

On 26 July, during the third session of the Preparatory Committee of the Habitat III Conference, PSI is organising with ICRICT and PSIRU a side event called “Financing and investing in urban public services: The key to inclusive cities”. PrepCom3 will be held in Surabaya, Indonesia, from 25-27 July at the Convention and Exhibition Hall Grand City Convex Surabaya.

Impact of the economic crisis and austerity measures on women

04 July 2012

Women are losing jobs in both the private and public sectors, which has an immediate effect on household income but a much longer term effect on the role of women in the labour force.

Global Corporate Taxation and Resources for Quality Public Services

28 November 2011

The study has been commissioned by Education International Research Institute on behalf of the Council of Global Unions. The current debate on sovereign debt is conducted as if there were no other option than austerity. This report changes the focus. Here the focus is on the revenue side.The problem with the ‘no option but austerity’ line is that it thrusts national economies into downward spirals. There is another way. Public revenues can be boosted, if there is political will do so.

Annual Report 2010

05 April 2011

In the face of widening cuts to public services and attacks on the rights of public sector workers around the world, leaders of private and public sector trade unions, municipal governments and civil society groups made the unprecedented joint commitment to work together to promote investment in quality public services backed by fair taxation policies as the key solution to the economic crisis, and the best way to build peaceful, equitable, democratic and environmentally-sustainable societies.

Annual Report 2009

03 April 2010

Environmental and social sustainability provided the primary theme for PSI’s work in 2009. Leading into the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 15) in Copenhagen in December, trade unions and civil society allies worked hard to ensure that world leaders would agree on an ambitious plan to reduce carbon emissions. Alas, this dream did not become reality. But we are committed to continuing this struggle and achieving real results.

Annual Report 2008

03 April 2009

Looking back at 2008 the one word that comes to mind is CHANGE. We saw a dramatic change in the global economy, it was the keyword in the US election and we initiated changes in PSI.