http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Jitbit RSS Feed Creator Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:00:46 +0200 psinewshttp://feedburner.google.com13 July 2009 - After 30 days of intense negotiations, the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina accepted all trade union demands, and an agreement was signed between the Government and the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Earlier this month, PSI had sent a strongly worded letter in support of its affiliates, protesting the government's proposal for an Intervention law which would determine the salaries and other benefits for workers that are employed in institutions in cantons, cities and boroughs of the country. http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Winning_workers_rights&CONTENTID=23094&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfmMon, 13 Jul 2009 13:00:46 +0200Women are earning more than men in some public sector organisations - but only in the lower-paid grades, according to new research by the BBC. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8044720.stmMon, 13 Jul 2009 09:45:44 +0200The Australian Parliament has just released a major report on its relations with ASEAN based on a major enquiry into Australia’s relationships with ASEAN, covering many issues including human rights issues. PSI affiliates were represented at the enquiry by David Carey from the CPSU-SPSF and Paul Slape from the ASU who compiled the submission and evidence, and appeared in person as witnesses before the Committee. Their submission centred on the need for a connection between Australian financial and trade relations with ASEAN countries and their commitment to human rights and labour rights. They agreed that PSI should not separate its commitment to human rights from trading and financial relations and, in fact, should insist upon those rights being observed being contingent on trading agreements and financial assistance. http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateRedirect.cfm?template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=23080Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:21:57 +0200Because of the nature of the work that health professionals do, their services or expertise are in demand globally and they encounter fewer hurdles in changing to a new environment. Globalisation is offering increased opportunities for skilled people to migrate but there are also many challenges to look out for. The purpose of this pamphlet prepared by PSI affiliates in South Africa is to guide health workers to make an informed decision to relocate to work in another country. http://www.world-psi.org/Content/ContentGroups/English7/Equality_and_Rights/Equality_equity_diversity1/Migrant_workers/News3/PDK_South_Africa.pdfTue, 07 Jul 2009 12:31:25 +0200The ILO and other women’s advocacy groups consider domestic work to be among the most precarious of occupations. The present economic downturn and jobs crisis sweeping the world is likely to aggravate those vulnerabilities depicted in a report to the 2009 International Labour Conference taking stock of gender equality in the world of work. http://www.ilo.org/global/About_the_ILO/Media_and_public_information/Feature_stories/lang--en/WCMS_108335/index.htmTue, 07 Jul 2009 11:48:17 +0200PSI affiliates in Oceania have jointly produced an information passport for the benefit of those persons who are intending to seek employment outside Fiji. The passport can help in making informed choices for temporary or permanent migration and provides vital information on contacts and places where individuals can get help regarding employment contracts and their Rights as Migrant Workers in a new country . http://www.world-psi.org/Content/ContentGroups/English7/Equality_and_Rights/Equality_equity_diversity1/Migrant_workers/News3/EN_FijiPassport_PDK_2009.pdfMon, 06 Jul 2009 13:03:24 +0200Between June 1st 2009 and September 30th 2009, youth from around the world will be able to create and submit videos to the PLURAL + Video Festival, on the themes of migration, diversity, and identity. The festival is the brainchild of the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and is the product of collaboration with a number of other important partners. The Festival aims to promote youth involvement and dialogue in the areas of migration and diversity. UNAOC and IOM plan to bring selected videos to the attention of policy makers providing an opportunity for young people's opinions on the successes or deficiencies of present migration policies to be heard both by the public and policy-makers in their respective countries and abroad. http://www.unaoc.org/content/view/346/257/lang,en/Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:42:21 +0200An excellent radio presentation from CBC Canada, featuring the case of the drain of health workers from the Philippines to Canada and how it impacts on the health care system of the Philippines. The story brings a human dimension to the work PSI is doing on migration. http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/dispatches_20090615_17033.mp3Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:40:38 +0200Equality for women and men in the world of work is universally recognised as a core value of the ILO. The Committee on Gender Equality which met during the ILO’s 98th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), in June 2009, in Geneva (Switzerland) came to a number of conclusions in its report. Even if real progress has been made in gender equality since 1985 (improved national policies and legislative framework for gender equality, better monitoring and enforcement of laws, increased awareness of workers’ rights), gender pay gaps persist and women are still disproportionally represented among the poor and in low-paying unskilled jobs. Gender equality is now accepted as a necessity for sustainable development and poverty reduction for women and men, improving living standards for all. http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Gender_Equality2&CONTENTID=23004&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfmMon, 29 Jun 2009 13:11:54 +0200The ITUC (International Trade Union Confederation), EI (Education International), ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation), IUF (International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations)have called a worldwide action day on June 26 to demand justice for Iranian workers. Demonstrations will take place outside Iranian embassies and consulates to protest the ongoing denial of rights and arrests of trade unionists within the country.http://www.justiceforiranianworkers.org/Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:52:37 +0200The United Nations is convening a three-day summit of world leaders from 24 to 26 June 2009 at its New York Headquarters to assess the worst global economic downturn since the Great Depression. The aim is to identify emergency and long-term responses to mitigate the impact of the crisis, especially on vulnerable populations, and initiate a needed dialogue on the transformation of the international financial architecture, taking into account the needs and concerns of all Member States.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22983Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:53:53 +0200On 20 June, 2009 a coalition of civil society organizations, and UN- NGLS , organized “People’s Voices on the Crisis”. This event brought together activists from civil society organizations, trade unions and grassroots groups on a local, national and international level, who gave testimony on how their lives and communities are being directly affected by the current economic crisis.http://financialcrisisblog.world-psi.org/2009/06/peoples-voices-on-the-crisis.htmlWed, 24 Jun 2009 15:53:11 +0200The 4th Fagforbundet Youth Summer Conference was held in Stavern, Norway from 19-21 June. Over 160 young participants joined in the attractive and interactive programme of this summer conference. Indah Budiarti from the PSI Asia Pacific office attended the conference and sent us this report. http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateRedirect.cfm?template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22982Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:46:13 +0200PSI General Secretary, Peter Waldorff, addressed the plenary session of the ILO International Labour Conference yesterday, calling for a new model of globalisation. "It is time for a new model of globalisation. One that puts people first. One that shifts the focus from capital to labour. One with decent work, social justice and quality public services for all at its heart." says Waldorff.http://financialcrisisblog.world-psi.org/2009/06/speech-given-by-psi-general-secretary-to-the-plenary-session-of-the-ilo-conference-18-june-2009.htmlMon, 22 Jun 2009 15:44:32 +0200PSI joins the ITUC and EI in protesting against the continued detention of members of the Confederation of Public Employees’ Unions (KESK)and the teachers’ union Egitim Sem, following a series of arrests of trade unionists in Ankara, Istanbul and Smyrna on 28 May 2009. PSI has written to the Turkish government on numerous occasions in concern over repression of public sector trade union activities and the harassment, including imprisonment, of public sector trade union leaders. PSI has also noted on previous occasions the tendency by the Turkish authorities to seriously interfere with the legitimate activities of trade unions under spurious allegations of "engagement in terrorist activities", "spreading terrorist propaganda", or "membership of illegal organisations". http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Winning_workers_rights&CONTENTID=22961&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfmFri, 19 Jun 2009 10:53:41 +0200The third annual Geneva Labour Film Shorts Festival features fourteen films from around the world produced by, for, and about unions and working people. Two out of four stories submitted by PSI about migrant health care workers in England will be shown at the Festival. The films show a brief look at how migrant workers contribute to the labour force in the NHS and the connection between working abroad and the life they have left behind. The event will take place in Geneva on 16 June from 19h00 to 22h00.http://www.world-psi.org/Template.cfm?Section=Content_Management&CONTENTID=22905&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfmThu, 11 Jun 2009 12:49:42 +0200The EPSU Congress has voted on the Merger between EPSU and PSI–Europe. With this merger, EPSU membership will rise to 255 public service unions. Delegates have also voted on changes to the EPSU Constitution underpinning the merger process. PSI General Secretary, Peter Waldorff is pleased to see that the efforts to create one single European structure have been concluded and finds it encouraging that the final decisions to change the EPSU constitution were taken unanimously.http://www.world-psi.org/Template.cfm?Section=Content_Management&CONTENTID=22890&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfmTue, 09 Jun 2009 17:31:22 +0200PSI General Secretary, Peter Waldorff, made a speech on 8 June at the EPSU Congress held in Brussels. “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in the international cooperation between public sector trade unions. Today we have a great opportunity to create a stronger link between EPSU and PSI”, said Waldorff. “A coherent European structure for Public Services is what we need. This will form a strong platform for the development of a powerful global agenda.”http://www.world-psi.org/Template.cfm?Section=Content_Management&CONTENTID=22884&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfmMon, 08 Jun 2009 17:32:38 +0200The Workers’ Group of the International Labour Conference Committee on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CACR) has reached agreement with the Employers’ Group on the list of cases to be considered by the CACR over the next two weeks. PSI was pleased to note the inclusion of Colombia, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Philippines, Swaziland and Turkey amongst the countries whose application of Convention 87 on the Right to Freedom of Association will be examined by the CACR.http://www.world-psi.org/Template.cfm?Section=Clear_Query_Cache&CONTENTID=22877&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfmFri, 05 Jun 2009 16:15:31 +0200In the midst of the financial and economic crisis one thing that is certain is that the problems are cross-border in nature. The different countries in Europe are economically inter-dependant and working together in a time of crisis is essential. The European elections taking place from 4-7 June are vital.http://financialcrisisblog.world-psi.org/2009/06/european-elections-2009.htmlFri, 05 Jun 2009 16:13:26 +0200More than 375m citizens are eligible to vote in the European elections, which are spreading out between Thursday and Sunday this week. However, according to the TNS survey, a market researcher, only 49 per cent were likely to cast ballots.http://financialcrisisblog.world-psi.org/2009/06/jobs-main-concern-as-europe-votes.htmlFri, 05 Jun 2009 16:10:38 +0200An article in Bloomberg.com states that Europe’s unemployment rate has risen in April to the highest in almost 10 years as the worst global economic slump in more than six decades forces companies to cut jobs and spending. http://financialcrisisblog.world-psi.org/2009/06/europe-unemployment-rate-rises-to-highest-since-1999.htmlFri, 05 Jun 2009 16:08:10 +0200The PSI Health Services Task Force met in Geneva, 28-29 May. Delegates representing each of PSI's 24 sub-regions and a few other union leaders joined to examine current health issues that affect their members. http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateRedirect.cfm?template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22876Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:26:34 +0200PSI is currently seeking expressions of interest in a consultancy to manage this project for the period 1st September 2009 to 31st January 2010. The Consultant will replace the Project Coordinator during her maternity leave. The deadline for applications is 30th June 2009.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22867Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:24:19 +0200The ILO’s 98th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) opens officially today, Wednesday 3rd June, with some 4,000 representatives of government and employers’ and workers’ organisations in attendance. The top item on the Conference agenda is developing an effective tripartite response to the global economic and financial crisis and the Conference schedule has been specially adjusted to allow sufficient time for this item to be dealt with in depth.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22873Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:23:28 +0200A group of PSI affiliates from the Caribbean undertook a solidarity mission to Haiti from 30 April to 5 May, 2009. The visit was co-ordinated by Professor Camille Chalmers, Executive Director of the Platform to Advocate for Alternative Development (PAPDA). The solidarity visit was approved by PSI’s IAMREC and was organised by the Caribbean Sub-regional office. http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateRedirect.cfm?template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22870Fri, 29 May 2009 18:10:48 +0200At the next UN General Assembly in September 2009, there will be a vote for a new super-agency for women. More than 300 NGOs, under the acronym GEAR (Gender Equality Architecture Reform) have been pushing for governments and the UN secretary-general to set up the new super-agency. GEAR's primary mission is to ensure that all women’s voices are heard throughout the United Nations Reform process so that women’s issues and concerns are given the importance that they deserve on the global agenda. PSI, EI and the ITUC are supporting the campaign to ensure that the voices of working women are not ignored. http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateRedirect.cfm?template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22868Fri, 29 May 2009 17:44:25 +0200The International Steering Committee for the campaign for ratification of the Migrants Rights Convention has produced a Guide on Ratification for the International Convention of the protection of the rights of all migrant workers and members of their families. Seeking to better protect migrants' human rights and dignity, the new publication encourages governments worldwide to ratify and implement the Convention at the national level. The Guide provides a summary of the Convention and discusses the process of ratification. Of particular importance to policy makers, parliamentarians and advocates, it outlines the pros and cons of ratification and refutes various misconceptions about the Convention.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateRedirect.cfm?template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22866Fri, 29 May 2009 17:43:34 +0200The ESCR-Net has elaborated a Statement on the Financial Crisis and Global Economic Recession through the much appreciated input and review of a broad array of organizations and individuals involved in the efforts of the Network. With this Statement, they call for a response to the financial crisis and economic recession that places human rights norms at the centre, in which people and the environment, not banks or business, are at the foundation of economic policy-making...http://financialcrisisblog.world-psi.org/2009/05/escrnet-statement-on-the-financial-crisis-and-global-economic-recession.htmlFri, 29 May 2009 11:37:05 +0200On 14 May, thousands of union representatives from Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and Andorra participated in the first of four Euro-demonstrations held in Madrid, Brussels (15 May), Berlin and Prague (16 May), organised by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). Under the slogan, "Fight the crisis: put the people first", the four demonstrations involved a total of 350,000 workers. http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateRedirect.cfm?template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22859Wed, 27 May 2009 18:38:39 +0200Hundreds of civil servants in St Lucia are expected to remain off the job for at least two days in protest against the government's decision not to give them all of a promised 7.5 per cent pay increase. http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateRedirect.cfm?template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22858Wed, 27 May 2009 18:37:39 +0200The ITUC has published its assessment of the final report of the Commission of Experts on reforms of the international monetary and financial system (the Stiglitz Commission) that was established by the President of the UN General Assembly at the beginning of the year to "identify the broad principles underlying needed institutional reforms required to ensure sustained global economic progress and stability". http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateRedirect.cfm?template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22862Wed, 27 May 2009 18:35:45 +0200PSI General Secretary, Peter Waldorff, met with Spanish and Portuguese affiliates in Madrid on 13 May 2009 to discuss new ways to defend public service workers at a global level. Waldorff also wanted to learn how the current global crisis is affecting the industry and trade unions, and the activities of PSI affiliates in Portugal and Spain.http://financialcrisisblog.world-psi.org/2009/05/psi-meets-with-spanish-and-portuguese-affiliates.htmlTue, 26 May 2009 10:55:37 +0200The US waste incineration company Covanta Energy is seeking to take over the waste division of Dutch company Essent. Essent wants to sell its waste division, Essent Milieu, as part of its take-over by RWE, the German energy company. Covanta has a history of environmental, health and safety, and labour relations violations in the US. PSI US affiliate UWUA has published an open letter to Dutch provincial parliamentarians urging opposition to the sale.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22836Thu, 21 May 2009 14:43:51 +0200PSI is opposing plans put forward by the Governor of Puerto Rico, Luis Fortuño, to dismiss thousands of public sector workers as part of an economic recovery plan to reduce Puerto Rico’s huge budgetary deficit. Whilst PSI recognises the need for bold measures to solve Puerto Rico’s economic crisis, particularly in the context of the global financial and economic crisis, PSI insists that workers should not be made to pay the price for a crisis they did not create. http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Whats_New&CONTENTID=22787&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfmTue, 19 May 2009 12:12:58 +0200The Ukrainian gas industry is collapsing under constant underfunding, understaffed production departments and reduction of systems maintenance. In 2008, 90 lives were lost in the gas industry, and 51 more people have died since the beginning of 2009. http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateRedirect.cfm?template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22826Mon, 18 May 2009 16:48:44 +0200Earlier this month, public sector unions in Jamaica denounced what they said was the unilateral approach by the government during a recent wage freeze. However, after more than two weeks, the government has apologised to public sector workers for announcing a freeze on their salaries before discussing it with the unions.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateRedirect.cfm?template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22819Fri, 15 May 2009 17:31:27 +0200US Vice President Joe Biden has declared that he and President Obama would not consider their economic recovery efforts a success unless they created good, sustainable jobs and that the key to that success is rebuilding the American labour movement. http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateRedirect.cfm?template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22820Fri, 15 May 2009 17:30:02 +0200The Women’s UN Report Network has circulated an interesting study on the impacts of the global economic recession on women in developing countries. http://financialcrisisblog.world-psi.org/2009/05/who-pays-the-price-the-impact-of-the-global-economic-recession-on-women-in-developing-countries.htmlFri, 15 May 2009 14:56:59 +0200The Global Unions, consisting of the 13 Global Union Federations, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), and TUAC to the OECD, know of the importance in America of passing the Employee Free Choice Act. We know that a strong economy depends on workers being given the opportunity to join a trade union and to bargain collectively so that fair wages and social benefits are possible for all in a society. The global union movement has prepared a joint letter offering strong support for the much-needed legislation. PSI General Secretary Peter Waldorff signed the letter, along with the General Secretaries of all the other Global Unions and International Trade Union Confederation General Secretary Guy Ryder.http://www.world-psi.org/Template.cfm?Section=Content_Management&CONTENTID=22742&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfmThu, 07 May 2009 14:47:44 +0200The PSI Canadian affiliate National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) has organized a campaign to bring Canadians from all walks of life into the discussion about the current economic crisis. The campaign, called A People's Response to the Economic Crisis, is a way for busy but concerned people like you to make your voice heard and provide our governments with a better picture of the real effects of the recession on all of us. More information is available on the PSI financial crisis blog.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22738Thu, 07 May 2009 14:42:37 +0200Peter Waldorff, PSI General Secretary, is representing PSI at the OECD Global Forum on Public Governance held on 4-5 May 2009 in Paris. The theme of the forum, organised by the OECD and the Dutch National Integrity Office, is Building a Cleaner World: Tools and Good Practices for Fostering a Culture of Integrity. Peter Waldorff gave a speech at the forum, available on the PSI financial crisis blog.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22722Tue, 05 May 2009 17:35:26 +0200PSI is part of a team formed by the ILO to help monitor the global response to the swine flu epidemic. This includes how to prepare for the emergency and ensuring that measures are taken to protect workers’ health and to allow them to receive treatment promptly, effectively and without consequences for their employment. PSI represents employees who staff public agencies, and on whose hands the handling of the emergency falls, especially health workers. They are not only the vital resource of an effective response, but also are, as a consequence, at higher risk of contracting the illness. PSI has prepared a statement and further practical information, available on the PSI health blog http://healthblog.world-psi.org.http://healthblog.world-psi.orgMon, 04 May 2009 13:19:24 +0200As workers and trade unionists throughout the world prepare to celebrate International Workers Day on May 1st, the current global economic crisis continues to spread and its impact is felt not only on financial markets, but also, and more importantly, on the real economy and the ability of people to hold down or access decent, secure work. "After 30 years of mismanagement, the public sector is being called upon to clean up the mess created by unrestrained and largely unregulated global capitalism" says Peter Waldorff, PSI General Secretary "We are expected to pay for the insatiable greed of corporate executives and the mistakes of market fundamentalists."http://financialcrisisblog.world-psi.org/2009/04/workers-pay-the-price-for-the-failure-of-neoliberal-capitalism.htmlThu, 30 Apr 2009 15:18:25 +0200The international trade union movement has called on the World Bank and IMF to use the opportunity of their spring meetings in Washington to accelerate efforts to stem the global collapse in employment and economic prospects. In a statement released today by the ITUC and its Global Unions partners, including PSI, trade unions warn that global unemployment could increase by 50 million people in 2009 unless the IFIs and governments take immediate action to implement the commitments made at the G20 London Summit.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22643Fri, 24 Apr 2009 17:54:33 +0200The majority of Canadians enjoy a higher quality of life because public services funded by their taxes come at a solid bargain, says a new study by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA).http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22640Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:13:52 +0200A recent study by PSI affilate FOA in Denmark indicates that municipalities could make huge savings by putting an end to outsourcing. If they ensure tasks like cleaning and catering in schools, care centres and hospitals, on a nationwide scale the savings could reach billions of kroner.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22642Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:12:39 +0200PSI is shocked and saddened to learn of the assassination of Colombian trade union leader HERNAN POLO, president of the Montería branch of PSI affiliate SINTRENAL. PSI has written to President Uribe condemning this assassination in the strongest terms and invites affiliates to do the same.http://www.world-psi.org/Template.cfm?Section=Content_Management&CONTENTID=22585&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfmTue, 07 Apr 2009 17:43:37 +0200G20 leaders will meet at the London Summit on 2 April to address the global financial crisis. On 28th March, thousands of people will march through London as part of a global campaign to challenge the G20 ahead of the summit. The platform of unions, development agencies, faith and environmental groups will tell world leaders that only just, fair and sustainable policies can lead the world out of recession. Under the banner Put People First - March for Jobs, Justice and Climate, the groups will demand decent jobs and public services for all, an end to global poverty and inequality, and a green economy.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Home&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22463Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:21:04 +0100Six students from the Global Labour University Masters programme in Kassel, Germany, visited PSI on 19th February, where they met with PSI general secretary Peter Waldorff and Christine Roos and Jenny Luck from the Union Development and International Solidarity department.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22473Thu, 19 Mar 2009 18:14:14 +0100As the global economic and financial crisis deepens, workers attending the fifth World Water Forum are promoting proven public solutions that will meet the world's water and sanitation needs. Privatization has failed to deliver water and sanitation services. Now, the private sector can't even raise the capital needed. It is further evidence that the market model is fundamentally mismatched with the priorities that must guide water and wastewater services. Treating water as a market commodity that is bought and sold to generate huge profits for a very few, exposes these vital services to the same forces that brought about the economic and financial collapse. Ending the global water crisis begins with strong public services. Public sector workers have a central role to play in building a future where everyone on the planet has access to water and sanitation services. PSI has created a special blog on water, on which information will be posted throughout and after the World Water Forum. Find details of the PSI press conference, publications, opinions and ideas on http://waterblog.world-psi.org/ .http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateRedirect.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22467Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:12:20 +0100On 5 March, the UN Commission of the Status of Women, taking place in New York from 2 – 13 March 2009, hosted a special event to commemorate International Women’s Day on March 8. The theme of the event was “Men and Women United to End Violence against Women and Girls”. Mr Lucy was a member of the high level panel discussion, which was opened by the UN Secretary-General, Mr Ban Ki-moon.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Gender_Equality2&CONTENTID=22446&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfmTue, 10 Mar 2009 10:55:58 +0100On March 8, International Women’s Day, working women across the globe will gather to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women. Despite these gains, PSI’s equality and trade union rights officer Chidi King emphasises that much needs to be done. "Now, more than ever, we need to be vigilant to ensure that measures designed to promote gender equality are not cast aside under the excuse that ‘we can no longer afford them’. The simple truth is that we can no longer afford to exclude 50% of the world’s population from fully enjoying their economic, social, political and cultural rights".http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22431Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:02:12 +0100The 53rd session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women will take place in New York on 2-13 March. PSI, Education International (EI) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) are submitting a joint statement to the Commission concerning the equal sharing of responsibilities between women and men, including care giving in the context of HIV/AIDS.http://www.world-psi.org/Template.cfm?Section=Content_Management&CONTENTID=22339&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfmMon, 02 Mar 2009 11:19:25 +0100PSI has been informed that the Mayor of Barranquilla, Alejandro Char Chaljub, is now facing a disciplinary investigation by the public agency in charge of fighting corruption in administration (Procuraduria II Delegada Vigilancia Administrativa), as a result of his decision to arbitrarily dismiss more than 2,300 municipal workers, 70% of whom are trade unionists (see http://www.world-psi.org/urgentaction). PSI will continue to monitor the situation closely in collaboration with its subregional office and affiliates in Colombia. PSI encourages its affiliates and the international community to continue sending letters of protest until such time as all dismissed workers are reinstated. http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Urgent_actions2&Template=/UrgentActionsEmailer/EN_Baranquilla_form.htmMon, 02 Mar 2009 09:34:49 +0100At its sixty-second session, in November 2007, the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed 20 February as World Day of Social Justice. The observance of the day should contribute to the further consolidation of the efforts of the international community in poverty eradication, promotion of full employment and decent work, gender equity and access to social well-being and justice for all.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22326Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:39:29 +0100PSI is marking International Women’s Day (8 March), World Water Day (22 March) and World Health Day (7 April) with the theme Women, Water, Workers and Health. Women and trade unions call for quality public water and health services FOR ALL. PSI has used this opportunity to launch the new PSI Women, Water, Workers and Health Website. On this website you will find campaign information and materials that we hope will assist you in your campaigns for quality public water and health services. Please let PSI know about any campaign or activities your union is organising on these themes.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22323Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:38:06 +0100According to an ITUC report on core labour standards, violations of trade union rights and discrimination remain to be addressed in Japan. The report notes that many workers continue to be restricted in their right to organise, particularly public sector employees and civil servants.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22314Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:20:21 +0100PSI has launched a new blog, in which Peter Waldorff and his team will keep you updated on PSI’s activties concerning the financial crisis. We hope you will enjoy consulting and participating in this blog. http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22297Tue, 17 Feb 2009 17:20:10 +0100PSI is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of more than 170 lives in the bushfires that have swept the region around Victoria in Australia. PSI recognises the vital role played by public sector workers, many of whom have worked on despite their own personal tragedies. PSI offers sincere condolences to the many families touched by this disaster.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateRedirect.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22253Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:14:31 +0100PSI is asking affiliates to support the municipal workers of the city of Barranquilla, by sending strong letters of protest concerning the dismissal of more than 2,300 municipal service workers by the mayor of Barranquilla, Colombia. The dismissals are the result of an on-going restructuring process in the central administration and decentralised institutions of the City, which began in 1991. Several of the trade unionists who have voiced opposition to the process now find themselves the target of a paramilitary group which has issued death threats against them.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Urgent_actions2&Template=/UrgentActionsEmailer/EN_Baranquilla_form.htmTue, 10 Feb 2009 16:50:35 +0100The CGIL metalworking federation (FIOM CGIL) and FP public service (FP CGIL) are coming together in protest at a range of government policies attacking public sector workers, public services and undermining progress towards equality, not just between men and women workers but also between domestic and migrant workers.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22243Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:09:19 +0100During a meeting at the World Economic Forum in Davos, PSI’s general secretary Peter Waldorff called for more investment on prevention against HIV/AIDS. "The number of people infected with HIV is rising and yet we see a decline in prevention programmes. We must renew our efforts in effective prevention actions," says Waldorff. PSI presented its new brochure: HIV/AIDS: A call for more investment in prevention.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22204Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:32:52 +0100 PSI congratulates Ögmundur Jónasson who has been named as the new Minister for Health in Iceland. The new government took office on 1 February. Jónasson has served as the Icelandic representative on the PSI Executive Board since 2002.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22191Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:41:35 +0100Over 100,000 people took part in the World Social Forum (WSF) in Belem, in the Amazon region of Brazil, 27th January to 1st February 2009. PSI joined representatives from the five continents in debates about climate change, trade agreements, minority rights and other issues under the slogan "another world is possible". "... and necessary", added the trade unions present in the 8th World Trade Union Forum.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22194Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:40:16 +0100French unions are struggling to counter the effects of the economic and financial crisis, especially concerning employment and buying-power. Many companies have reacted to the crisis by cutting down on jobs and wages, but the unions suggest measures to increase buying-power and reduce inequality. They condemn the fact that companies are using the crisis to re-structure, while they continue to remunerate their shareholders. All French trade unions will hold a general strike on 29 January. For further details (in French): www.29janvier2009.fr.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22160Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:41:31 +0100PSI has made a contribution of € 15,000 to the ITUC Solidarity Fund in solidarity with the workers and population of Gaza. Echoing the call of UN secretary general Ban Ki Moon, PSI also calls upon the international community to start the rebuilding of lives of the people of Gaza. PSI welcomes the ceasefire and the retreat of Israeli armed forces from Gaza.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22155Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:29:05 +0100Lithuanian trade unions are organising a mass protest rally in front of the Seimas (parliament) and the government buildings in the capital Vilnius on 16 January. http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateRedirect.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22140Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:07:10 +0100Many of PSI’s affiliates have reacted to the violence in the Middle East. Many condemn Israel’s military operations that have caused hundreds of innocent deaths, including women and children. PSI affiliates urge their national governments to join the international call for an immediate ceasefire. Click here to access the statements, letters or articles prepared by a certain number of these organisations.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Home&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22123Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:45:44 +0100PSI deplores the recent conflicts in Gaza which have already taken a severe toll on civilians in the densely populated territory. PSI is dismayed to witness ministries and other public institutions being targeted, not only putting at high risk the workers of those institutions, but with far-reaching consequences which will have to be borne by all citizens.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Home&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22061Tue, 06 Jan 2009 09:25:22 +0100Peter Waldorff, PSI General Secretary, looks back at the year 2008 and wishes you all a happy holiday season and very good 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...", says Peter Waldorff.http://www.world-psi.org/Template.cfm?Section=Content_Management&CONTENTID=22027&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfmFri, 19 Dec 2008 09:10:12 +0100On the occasion of the UN-declared International Migrants’ Day (18 December), PSI joins the ITUC, Global Unions, civil society and the international community in celebrating the human rights of all migrant workers and members of their families worldwide. "For PSI, we see migration as a trade union issue. It is very important that migrant workers’ rights are fully protected. Ensuring trade union rights for migrant workers is fundamental in fighting abuse, exploitation and exclusion of migrant workers, particularly undocumented migrants" explains Peter Waldorff, PSI General Secretaryhttp://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Home&CONTENTFILEID=23370&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfmMon, 15 Dec 2008 09:37:56 +0100On 16 December the European Parliament will debate the Working Time Directive ahead of a vote on 17 December. The vote could herald the first backward step in social policy in the history of the European Union, wiping out several decades of progress on obtaining fair working time for European workers. It's time to mobilise to ensure that MEPs and the Council of ministers are aware that this issue is of vital importance for public service workers.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=21942Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:23:46 +0100PSI celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: On 10 December 1948 the world’s nations came together in Paris to sign the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, recognising that all human beings, regardless of race, colour, creed, age, class and gender, are "born free and equal in dignity and rights".http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Winning_workers_rights&Template=/Rights/Dec2008_EN_PSIStatement_IHR.htmTue, 09 Dec 2008 13:12:45 +01006th December is the Global Day of Action on climate. PSI has a strong delegation at the UN Conference on Climate Change in Poznan, Poland, and all affiliates are urged to get involved and challenge global climate change. See www.globalclimatecampaign.org for information of what has been planned for your country, and ideas for activities to mark this day.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=21821Fri, 05 Dec 2008 17:01:17 +0100The 2008 theme of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is "Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Dignity and justice for all of us". Since its beginning, the United Nations has been committed to the realization of universal human rights for all, including the rights of persons with disabilities.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateRedirect.cfm?template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=21800Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:23:51 +0100here for details on the type of success stories we are looking for and to access the online form. The non confidential stories received can be accessed here.]]>http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Home&CONTENTID=21316&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfmMon, 01 Dec 2008 16:15:56 +0100A 15-member delegation from the PSI Asia and Pacific region, led by VP Annie Geron, will meet with ADB management/staff and Executive Directors at the Bank headquarters in Manila on 3rd December 2008.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Whats_New&CONTENTID=21781&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfmMon, 01 Dec 2008 16:13:43 +01001 December 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. PSI joins the Global Union AIDS Programme (GUAP) in calling on governments, the international community and other actors to make Universal Access for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment an urgent priority for the next two years, to reach the 2010 target. http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateRedirect.cfm?template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=21777Fri, 28 Nov 2008 17:50:56 +0100On 16 December the European Parliament will debate the Working Time Directive ahead of a vote on 17 December. The vote tcould herald the first backward step in social policy in the history of the European Union, wiping out several decades of progress on obtaining fair working time for European workers. It's time to mobilise to ensure that MEPs and the Council of ministers are aware that this issue is of vital importance for public service workers. http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateRedirect.cfm?template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=21767Fri, 28 Nov 2008 17:50:06 +0100Public Services International (PSI) strongly condemns the terror attacks in Mumbai, India, on 26-27 November, which have caused over 100 deaths and 300 injured. The ten simultaneous attacks seemed to target UK and US citizens. Many of the deaths were in the busy Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station. Two big hotels were also targeted, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and the Oberoi Trident Hotel. At the time of writing, the hotels are on fire, and many people remain trapped. Amongst the sites under attack were the Cama and Albless hospitals and the police headquarters, where three police officers were killed by gunshot. Public service workers in the city are under a lot of pressure and are having to respond immediately and efficiently. PSI recognises the essential role of public service workers who are putting their own lives in danger in order to help others. PSI offers solidarity and support as well as sincere condolences for this incomprehensible loss of life. http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=21744Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:25:26 +0100Peter Waldorff, PSI General Secretary, gave a speech at PSI’s Public Sector Forum in Geneva on 24 November 2008. He mentioned the fact that the financial crisis is creating a dramatic drop in the value of the assets of many pension plans. Employers and governments are demanding increases in retirement age, cuts in pension income and benefits or higher worker contributions. The increase in employer’s pension contributions will be met by cutbacks in wages and working conditions. Peter stressed the need that workers and their unions have a strong voice in all aspects of pension plan governance, particularly on investment decisions.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Whats_New&CONTENTID=21671&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfmMon, 24 Nov 2008 16:43:35 +0100On 15 November, heads of state of the G20 countries meet in Washington to discuss the world’s financial crisis. On behalf of all public services workers, PSI demands that governments of the G20 take specific and concrete steps to lead us out of the crisis and to resolve the serious anomalies which led us there.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=21596Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:49:14 +0100From 25 November to 10 December, PSI will again be participating, along with the ITUC and other Global Union Federations in the 16 days of activism to end violence against women. PSI has produced a range of materials to assist affiliates in their campaigns on this issue, including: A booklet that sets out the facts and suggests actions unions might take; a series of posters; "Say NO" postcards and white ribbons.http://www.world-psi.org/VAWThu, 06 Nov 2008 16:57:50 +0100Public Services International (PSI) wishes to congratulate its American affiliates and their members on the results of the presidential election in the United States of America. Trade unions - including PSI affiliates - have played a pivotal role in getting their members out to vote and help elect Barack Obama. "Our affiliates and their members have done a fantastic job and proved that change can happen if we want it. They showed to all of us in PSI and beyond the true meaning of the words: YES WE CAN!" says Peter Waldorff, general secretary of PSI. President-elect Barack Obama’s convincing message of change brought hope to millions of people around the world. Hope the world strongly needs in a time of major global challenges, says Waldorff. "Global warming, the breakdown of the financial system, the fight against poverty, wars and humanitarian disasters - all need to be dealt with by an American administration with a much broader vision than the current one". PSI recognises the extensive list of priorities for the future president Obama. "We would however like to use this occasion to flag the importance of universal trade union and human rights such as the right to organise and the right to collective bargaining for public sector workers in the United States of America and in the rest of the world." PSI is looking forward to seeing an American administration that recognises the right to universal health care and education, access to clean water, proper working sewerage for those who need it, both in the US and globally. PSI places equality high on its agenda and in its constitution. In electing its first African-American president, the United States of America sends a strong message to the rest of the world. Racism and inequality belong to the past. http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateRedirect.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=21528Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:44:28 +0100PSI is asking its affiliates to send letters of protest in support of refuse collection workers from the Municipal Refuse Collection and Waste Disposal Corporation (EMSIRVA) in the town of Cali, Colombia. The Directorate of Public Services, a national body which follows guidelines laid down by the government under Alvaro Uribe Vélez, has initiated a privatisation process which will result in a unilaterally imposed revision of the collective bargaining agreement. The new 'agreement' would disregard the rights and benefits won by the trade union SINTRAEMSIRVA; redefine the workers' legal status (they will no longer be classified as public sector workers); and lead to some 230 redundancies.http://www.world-psi.org/urgentactionWed, 05 Nov 2008 15:07:08 +0100The current approach to migration and development is much too narrowly focused on the economic remittances and gives insufficient attention to the rights of migrant workers. Public Services International (PSI) calls for a broad approach on Migration and its impact, during the 2nd Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD), which is being held in Manila, Philippines from 27-30 October 2008.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Home&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=21423Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:15:44 +0100India most certainly is a country where the fight to eradicate poverty is a challenge. Anandalakshmi Vaidhiyanathan PSI’s sub-regional secretary for South Asia got to the heart of the matter when she spoke at a Congress in Oslo, Norway, this week.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Home&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=21422Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:31:21 +0100French public sector trade unions will be holding a strike and giant demonstration in Paris on 23 October to protest against the government's policies, including its General Public Policy Revision (révision générale des politiques publiques- RGPP). The unions want to maintain locally-administered public services, equality in access to those services, and defend quality public service jobs.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=21371Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:55:40 +0200Following last year’s successful event, when a record-breaking number of people stood up against poverty, the Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP) is organising the 2008 event on 17-19 October. GCAP members and supporters are united by the use of a white band which is the symbol for people all over the world to show their support and keep the anti-poverty message highly visible. You can find more details on GCAP and on your national platform at: www.whiteband.org. You are invited to become actively involved in this global mobilisation by organising activities from 17 to 19 October. For more information, go to http://www.standagainstpoverty.org/en/about-stand-up. Please keep us informed of your union’s events: send details to communications@world-psi.org. http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateRedirect.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=21328Thu, 16 Oct 2008 18:44:06 +0200As part of its organisational review, PSI is eager to hear from affiliates and staff about their positive experiences of PSI's work. It might be how PSI Secretariat staff have supported your organisation, how a PSI constitutional body has helped to push an issue further, how a capacity-building project has given your organisation impetus for change, or how information, research or publications communicated by PSI has helped your organisation to understand an issue better. Let us know! http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateRedirect.cfm?template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=21316Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:53:24 +0200Public Services International Japanese Council (PSI-JC) recently celebrated its 20th Anniversary with an International Symposium on " PSI's Activities and Quality Public Services Campaign" in Tokyo, with almost 200 trade unionists and guests participating. http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateRedirect.cfm?template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=21303Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:49:59 +0200PSI affiliates have started to inform us of their activities to mark the World Day for Decent Work, 7th October.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Home&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=21125Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:21:03 +0200On the occasion of 7th October, World Day for Decent Work, Public Services International is focusing on the situation of migrant workers, and the current debate on migration and development, which will be the theme of the 2nd Global Forum on Migration and Development in Manila, Philippines, 28-30 October. PSI and public sector unions worldwide are calling for a global re-think on the role of the public sector as the foundation of decent work.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Home&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=21236Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:29:29 +0200On 25 September, 130,000 protestors met in Berlin, Germany, in a massive demonstration against the decline of working conditions in German hospitals. For the first time ever, trade unions, civil servants’ organisations, doctors’ professional associations, municipalities and employers demonstrated together in order to tell the conservative German government: STOP saving our hospitals to death!http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Home&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=21202Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:53:52 +0200Unions around the world will be mobilised on 7 October for the World Day for Decent Work. The themes for the day are: Rights at Work, Solidarity, and Ending Poverty and Inequality. Unions will be organising cultural events, workshops and seminars, media activities and actions via the internet. What has your union planned? Let us know!http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Home&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=21125Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:23:43 +0200On 11-12 September, the Paraguay Public Services secretariat and local affiliates, PSI, CSA and the ILO organised a forum on Human Rights and Quality Services in the public sector, with 130 local trade unions participating.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Home&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=21203Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:16:50 +0200The government of India has decided to increase maternity leave for all central government women employees. An additional two years of childcare leave has also been grantedhttp://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Maternity_protection&CONTENTID=21194&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfmFri, 26 Sep 2008 12:38:42 +0200Following the Urgent Action launched last June, PSI is pleased to announce the reinstatement of all seven of the suspended airport workers of Angkasa Pura 1. The Chairman of the Angkasa Pura 1 Union, Mr Arif Islam, who was dismissed has still not been reinstated although he has received a "Ramadan bonus" payment. PSI is working to ensure that the reinstated workers are able to return to their full duties, without vicitmisation, and that they receive back pay for the period of their suspension. We will continue to campaign for the reinstatement of Mr Arif Islam. Equally PSI continues to support the workers of Angkasa Pura 1 in their demand for the full implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreementhttp://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Urgent_actions2&Template=/UrgentActionsEmailer/EN_UAIndonesiaAngkara_form.htmFri, 26 Sep 2008 10:41:53 +0200Peter Waldorff, PSI General Secretary, addressed trade negotiators at the Symposium on GATS Mode 4 organised by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Secretariat at its Geneva headquarters on 22-23 September. Waldorff underlined the risks that go with temporary work, especially for women workers. He said, "Mode 4 follows a paradigm of labour exportation, which is flouted and problematic".http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=21174Thu, 25 Sep 2008 17:33:35 +020025 September 2008 - President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva signed on 7 September a law extending maternity leave from four to six months. The additional 60 days are optional for private companies. For civil servants the change will come into effect after publication of the new law in the Official Journal, mid-September. For employees of private enterprises, the new maternity leave will become valid as of 2010 and must be negotiated with the employer, since it is optional. Companies choosing to grant the additional two months leave will be able to deduct the total additional salary paid to their female staff from their income tax.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Maternity_protection&CONTENTID=21165&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfmThu, 25 Sep 2008 13:08:00 +02008 September 2008 - After more than eight months in prison Meryem Özsögüt has finally been acquitted and released after her trial on Friday 5 September. Despite worries about her safety, Ms Özsögüt is in good health and will shortly be able to return to her duties. In a message to PSI on Ms Özsögüt’s behalf, SES thanked the international community for its support and solidarity via the Labourstart campaign as well as PSI affiliates, the ILO, the EPSU and ETUC, and the European Union Commissioners. PSI especially thanks EU Parliamentarian Mr Joost Langedijk, Chairman of the Turkey delegation to the European Parliament who had personally handed over the campaign signatures to the EU leaders. http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Winning_workers_rights&CONTENTID=21074&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfmTue, 09 Sep 2008 13:54:49 +0200Forty-three state enterprise labor unions under the coalition of the People’s Alliance for Democracy in Thailand have agreed to stage strikes and to selectively cut water and electricity. They are demanding that prime minister Samak Sundaravej step down.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=21018Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:55:00 +0200The Health Services Workers Union (HSWU) of the Ghana TUC has urged government to pay health service workers the salary adjustments awarded to all public sector employees since 2006. The delegates also requested government and their employers to base retirement benefits on the current terminal salaries and not the 2005 levels. http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateRedirect.cfm?template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=21019Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:53:52 +0200Contract workers in India have celebrated the regularisation of their employment after a determined campaign by PSI affiliates. http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateRedirect.cfm?template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=21021Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:46:38 +0200The number of trade unionists killed in Colombia for this year has almost reached the total number of those killed in 2007. On 23 August, José Omar Galeano Martínez was the 38th trade unionist assassinated this year. He was President of the Colombian Lottery Workers' Federation (FECOLOC). In 2007, the total number of murders was 39.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=21002Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:00:30 +0200PSI has written to the President of the Peruvian public water utility, to protest against the fact that the company is threatening to revoke the accreditation of Luis Isarra Delgado as a trade union representative and therewith his right to time off to perform trade union duties. Luis Isarra, is a very active trade union leader, who has been very vocal in his opposition to the Peruvian government's plans to privatise water services. Now, under pressure from the Peruvian Government, the company is seeking to revoke Luis Isarra's accreditation and has even made an offer to the union to grant 7 new accreditations should the union agree to the withdrawal of Luis Isarra's accreditation. Affiliates are invited to send similar letters of protest.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEs.cfm?Section=Derechos_laborales1&CONTENTID=20974&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfmWed, 27 Aug 2008 10:21:42 +0200In November 2007, PSI launched an Urgent Action regarding arrest warrants which had been issued for Luís Muñoz Pasquel and Girard Vernaza Arroya, leaders of the National Federation of Judiciary Workers of Ecuador (FENAJE). The two leaders stand accused of criminal damage to a public building and of unspecified acts of terrorism.The case against Luís Muñoz Pasquel and Girard Vernaza Arroya will be heard on 26 September 2008 and PSI is asking affiliates to respond urgently by sending as many letters of protest as possible before this date.http://www.world-psi.org//TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Urgent_actions2&Template=/UrgentActionsEmailer/EN_UA_EcuadorFENAJEUpdateAugust2008_form.htmTue, 26 Aug 2008 13:34:05 +020020 August 2008 - Public Services International (PSI) is firmly convinced that conflicts on national integrity, autonomy of regions and rights of minorities cannot and should not be resolved by violent means. PSI welcomed the announcement last week that military operations in Georgia were to cease. PSI calls on both sides to implement and respect the agreed rules of ceasefire without any further delay. PSI also calls on all parties, with the support of the international community, to establish a dialogue for lasting peace.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Home&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=20968Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:10:36 +020019 August 2008 - In a strongly-worded letter to President Lee Myung-Bak, PSI condemns recent punitive actions taken by the South Korean government against members of PSI's local affiliate the Korean Government Employees Union (KGEU). PSI demands the immediate reinstatement of all KGEU members and an end to the victimisation of KGEU members and interference in the union's activities. Affiliates are invited to send similar letters of protest.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Home&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=20962Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:43:40 +0200Health workers in Bulgaria successfully negotiated a new collective agreement on 4 June that increases their salaries by 90 to 100 per cent. Bulgarian Health Minister Evgeni Zhelev signed the agreement with five health trade unions, including PSI affiliates the Federation of Trade Unions in Health Services and Podkrepa Medical Federation. The signing of the agreement comes before the discussions on the 2009 Budget, and after the mass strikes of 2007 in the education and health care sectors. The strikes demonstrated the need for reform of the health services and the urgent matter of low pay. The increase will take effect on 1 July, and will cover hospitals in state and municipal ownership, as well as hospitals operating as joint stock-holdings. In order to qualify, the hospitals must have no debt burden as local legislation has determined that no hospital can raise the salaries of staff until its liabilities are cleared. The agreement is the first in a series of steps aimed at converging the salaries of Bulgarian workforce to that in the European Union in a bid to stem the exodus of medical workers abroad.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateRedirect.cfm?template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=20506Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:00:48 +0200 On 23 June, Public Services Day, PSI, Education International and Oxfam International demand that world leaders provide funds for tens of millions of desperately needed, qualified health workers and teachers to realise the fundamental human rights to health and education.http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Home&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=20503Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:39:11 +0200