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Trade union rights news

All work has dignity, and all workers deserve to be treated with respect by their employers. Trade unions play a decisive role in improving working conditions, safety and wages – yet some governments and employers systematically abuse the right of workers to join existing unions or form new ones. PSI works actively to support the right of workers to free collective bargaining, and to help stop abuses when they occur.

Solidarity with American unions facing dangerous Janus vs AFSCME Supreme Court case

20 February 2018

We ask you to show solidarity with PSI’s affiliates in the United States of America, where another attack on the labour movement is imminent.

Council of Global Unions calls for solidarity with American unions facing dangerous Supreme Court case

15 February 2018

The highest meeting of union federations has called on unions across the globe to stand in solidarity with American unions whose fundamental rights are under attack.

Unions share strategies on fighting back, ahead of Janus vs AFSCME Supreme Court Case

08 February 2018

PSI General Secretary Rosa Pavanelli chaired a video conference with union leaders from across the world today to address the dangerous upcoming US Supreme Court case “Janus vs AFSCME.”

Global Unions meet with Algerian Mission in Geneva to Protest Trade Union Oppression

05 February 2018

Today, the global union federations PSI, ITUC, IndustriALL and IUF delivered a joint letter to the Algerian Mission in Geneva to protest against the imminent trial of trade union leaders affiliated to the General Confederation of Autonomous Workers in Algeria (CGATA).

South Africa: NUPSAW and DIS-CHEM Pharmacies reach agreement to end workers’ strike

02 February 2018

After a week of strike action, the National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (NUPSAW), a PSI affiliate, and Dis-Chem Pharmacies have reached a settlement agreement regarding the granting of organisational rights to the Union.

Strike in France: In Defence of Quality Elderly Care

01 February 2018

Social workers delivering home care, including in Housing Facilities for the Dependent Elderly (EHPAD) across France embarked on a 1-day strike on 30 January. This was to draw attention to several pressing problems confronting elderly care, which the authorities have failed to address.

Take Action: Call for the release of Han Sang Gyun

29 January 2018

PSI is calling on all affiliates to join the renewed joint ITUC and GUF international campaign calling for the release of Han Sang-gyun and the withdrawal of the charges against Lee Young-joo, respectively former President and General Secretary of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU).

Send a letter of protest to President Moon and join the Day of Action on 9 February 2018.

PSI deeply concerned about Russia's situation in the World Trade Organisation

04 June 2012
Kreml

After 18 years of negotiations behind closed doors, Russia is expected to ratify and sign the WTO accession in July. PSI expresses deep concern about Russia's situation. In many countries the experience of members joining the WTO is narrowed access to public services, including through privatization, job losses, and deterioration of infrastructure and skills.

PSI demands justice for health workers in Bahrain

30 April 2012
demonstrators in Bahrain

At the meeting of PSI's Health and Social Care Services Task Force in Geneva on 20 April 2012, Public Services International released the attached statement demanding the release of physicians and nurses and cancellation of charges against health personnel in Bahrain.

Some signs of change in Botswana - but yet to see the results

17 April 2012
Trade unionists in Botswana

Earlier this year the government of Botswana categorically stated that there will be no collective bargaining for the period 2012/2013 for financial reasons. Now the government has withdrawn the letter.

15 public sector trade unionists have been arrested in Turkey

16 February 2012
MayDay 2010 - Turkey

On 13 February 2012, 15 women union leaders and activists belonging to PSI and EPSU affiliates SES (Trade Union of Public Employees in Health and Social Services), Tüm Bel Sen (Union of All Municipality Civil Servants) and BES (Trade Union of Public Administration Employees); as well as to Education International (EI) affiliate Egitim Sen and to the Confederation of Civil Servants Trade Unions, KESK, (affiliated to the ITUC), were arrested and dragged from their homes in early morning raids. The police also invaded the unions’ head offices as part of a so-called police investigation.

Ecuador: 3,000 public employees unfairly dismissed

05 December 2011

Several thousand public servants, mainly in the health and public administration sectors were recently arbitrarily dismissed leaving Ecuador’s health and central administration services in disarray. Many of those dismissed are members of PSI’s affiliates.

Badges: Your Future in Public Hands

25 April 2013
PSI Your Future in Public Hands badges

Download PSI badge files for the "Your Future in Public Hands" campaign and create your own button badges.

Posters - 1 May 2013

24 April 2013
PSI May Day poster for 2013

Download PSI's posters for 1st May 2013 (PDF) in two colours and four languages. These are high-resolution images (3 MB)

Strategic Activities Report: PSI at the World Social Forum, Tunis 2013

15 April 2013

Public Services International had the strongest global union presence at the World Social Forum 26-30 March 2013 in Tunis, Tunisia. PSI hosted and co-sponsored numerous events on trade union rights, youth, water, women’s issues, tax justice, energy and climate change.

Working for the alternative: Implementing PSI's mandate in 2013 and beyond

19 March 2013

The 2012 PSI World Congress provided a framework for Public Services International's discussions and decisions. However, it is necessary to focus priorities. This document presents a detailed implementation plan for PSI's mandate in 2013 and beyond.

PSI Congress Resolutions

12 March 2013

Resolutions adopted at the 29th World Congress of Public Services International, held in Durban, South Africa, 27-30 November 2012. The resolutions are available in English, French, Spanish, German, Swedish, Japanese and Russian.

No compromise on women’s rights Zero tolerance for violence against women and girls

19 February 2013

Together with other civil society partners, trade unions develop, implement and promote strategies aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls. This joint global union statement will be presented to the UNCSW57. For more information: http://unioncsw.world-psi.org

Emergency Resolution on basic labour rights of public service workers in Japan

30 November 2012

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