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Migration and Refugees

In many countries, skilled health and social care workers feel they must leave their families behind and work abroad to earn a decent income. They brave exploitation and discrimination. And their departure weakens health and social services in their home community. PSI works with unions worldwide to protect migrant workers and to improve the quality of health and social services. Read more

Global unions: Labour migration is about the human rights of workers

13 May 2014
The trade union international delegation (PSI, AFT, AFL-CIO) during the PGA

Public Services International forms part of the trade union delegation participating at the Civil Society Days of the 2014 Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) which started on Monday 12 May at the Munchenbryggeriet conference centre in Stockholm, Sweden. The Global Unions will hold a Trade Union Forum “Speak-Out for Migrant Workers' Rights” on 15 May, the first-day of the official government meetings.

7th Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD)

12 May 2014

The GFMD Civil Society Days will take place on 12th-13th May 2014 at the Brewery Conference Centre, Stockholm. A shared session with governments, known as the Common Space, will be held in the same venue on the 14th of May. The GFMD Government Days will take place at the same location on 15th - 16th of May.

PSI addresses the United Nations Committee on Migrant Workers

15 April 2014

On 7 April 2014, Public Services International General Secretary Rosa Pavanelli addressed the Treaty Body of the United Nations’ International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, during the Day of General Discussion on the theme of “Workplace Exploitation and Workplace Protection.” The event was held during the 20th Session of the UN Committee on Migrant Workers (Treaty Body) in Geneva and on the occasion of the 10th year of the entry into force of the UN Convention.

Racism? Not for us!

22 March 2014

Speak out and take a stand against racism and xenophobia! On the eve of the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, 21 March 2014, Rosa Pavanelli, General Secretary of the global union federation Public Services International affirms that “our commitment to fight racism and all forms of discrimination is guided by respect for human rights and basic union principles: social justice, equality, collective action and collective responsibility”.

The decision of the Dominican Republic Constitutional Court goes against human right principles!

07 January 2014

The PSI Regional Committee against Racism and Xenophobia, in its meeting held on 21 and 22 November 2013, in Bogotá, Colombia, expressed deep concern about the decision of the Dominican Republic Constitutional Court to take citizenship away from thousands of people who were born in the Dominican Republic. This unacceptable ruling threatens the very livelihoods of the individuals and families who are affected. In fact, it threatens the entire society.

December 18 - International Migrants Day

16 December 2013

Public Services International joins the international community in commemorating the millions of migrant workers and their families all over the world and re-affirming our commitment to uphold their dignity and human rights.

“International migration today is primarily about the search for decent work,” says Rosa Pavanelli, General Secretary of Public Services International. “Workers are forced to leave their country of birth in search for jobs and to escape from poverty. Many have lost their lives crossing borders or have fallen prey to unscrupulous recruiters. Many of them end up in precarious working and living conditions and are deprived of access to essential public services, such as health, education and social services."

Social protection is a human right

12 December 2013
Participants to Public Service Trade Union Action Planning Meeting on Social Protection for Migrant Workers

Social security systems are invaluable mechanisms to provide income security, reduce poverty and inequality and promote social inclusion and dignity. The territoriality nature of social security systems, designed within national boundaries and the various requirements associated with entitlements, e.g. nationality and minimum qualifying period of contributions, create particular hurdles for migrant workers seeking to avail of their rights. Weak coordination between national systems poses a challenge, as workers move across borders and enter into different national systems.