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Water and sanitation

Clean water and sanitation – recently recognised by the United Nations as basic human rights – are critical to good health. They help prevent disease. Yet billions of people have no ready access to safe water. It is an essential service that governments must provide to protect their citizens and serve their common good. Read more here

On World Water Day Nigerians protest against water privatisation

23 March 2018

In Lagos Nigeria, the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth led protest actions on some major streets in continued campaigns to kick against plans by the Lagos State Government to privatize its water. PSI Nigerian affiliate the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation Civil Service and Recreational Services Employees participated in the protest.

Marching for Quality Water: PSI Affiliates in Kenya march to promote water safety on World Water Day 2018

23 March 2018

Through the streets of Nairobi, over 300 trade unionists from PSI affiliates, dressed in matching shirts and carrying placards with messages concerning the protection of water, poured onto the streets to celebrate World Water Day.

The End of Water Privatisation?

22 March 2018

Across the world, a wave of remunicipalisations has delivered water services back into public hands, often after decades of private mismanagement.

The Alternative World Water Forum has begun!

20 March 2018

Academics, social movements, trade unions and civil society organisations are meeting in Brasilia until 22 March to discuss how to resist the commodification of water in the world.

Jakarta Closer to Regaining Public Control of Water

12 February 2018
Photo: Indah Budiarti

Jakarta vice-governor Sandiaga Uno met with an international delegation including PSI Deputy General Secretary David Boys, Satoko Kishimoto, researcher with the Transnational Institute and former deputy mayor of Paris and former head of Eau de Paris Anne Le Strat.

Lagos water Workshop: "claims that PPP is not privatization should not be believed”

08 February 2018

A heightening campaign among trade unions is pushing back against the Adiyan Phase II Water Scheme which constitutes a major threat on the security of water of Nigeria’s capital.

Third Short-video Competition of the WATERLAT-GOBACIT Network

26 January 2018

Participation is open to professionals and beginners, regardless of age, country or language, and the reception of videos will close on 31 May 2018. PSI is member of WATERLAT-GOBACIT, an inter- and transdisciplinary network for teaching, research and practical action on the politics and management of water and water-based services.

Remunicipalisation: Putting water back into public hands

19 March 2013
Remunicipalisation: Putting water back into public hands

After decades of failed water privatisation, cities like Paris are starting to bring water back into public hands. Download this free 'must-read' book for policy makers and activists looking to democratise water services. This publication was produced by Transnational Institute (TNI), Municipal Services Projects (MSP) and Corporate Europe Observatory(CEO).

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.

Privatising Europe - Using the crisis to entrench neoliberalism

18 March 2013
Privatising Europe - Using the crisis to entrench neoliberalism

The Transnational Institute (TNI) has produced this working paper and infographic that provides an overview of what can best be described as a great ‘fire sale’ of public services and national assets across Europe that is providing profits for a few transnational companies but is often fiercely opposed by its citizens.

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.

Resolution 35: Migration Project

30 November 2012

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

Resolution 14: The global fight-back against austerity

30 November 2012

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

Resolution 13: Taxation

30 November 2012

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

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

Resolution 32: After COP 17: Campaigning for Green Jobs and Policies

30 November 2012

The 29th World Congress of Public Services International (PSI),

Resolution 45: The struggle of the Ngöbe-Buglé people of Panama

30 November 2012

The 29th World Congress of Public Services International (PSI),

Resolution 34: PSI Sector Networks

30 November 2012

The 29th World Congress of Public Services International (PSI),

Water companies and trends in Europe

24 September 2012

This publication is part of a series in which EPSU explores the activities of the private sector in key public services. The series offers an overview of multinational company developments and assist trade unions in considering which companies qualify for a European Works Council.

Protecting workers and promoting social development in Brazil

12 March 2012

The objective of this study is to show that the FGTS has successfully provided resources to compensate workers for unjustified dismissal and other adverse circumstances and thereby promoted social

Financing water and sanitation: public realities

12 March 2012

This research publication by the Public Services International Research Unit reveals that the private sector investments in water and sanitation have been negligible, whether in OECD or in developi

Utterly Uncompetitive: the homelands of eternal water privatisation

10 March 2012

This new report from the Public Services International Research Unit shows that private companies delivering water and sanitation services enjoy and abuse monopoly positions. Examines situation in France, Spain and the UK to demonstrate serious distortions practiced by these companies