Privatisation

Quality public services are the foundation of democratic societies and successful economies. They ensure that everyone has equal access to vital services, including as health care, education, electricity, clean water and sanitation. When these services are privatised, maximizing corporate profits replaces the public interest as the driving force. Privatisation is a dangerous trend that must be reversed.

PSI affiliate in solidarity with sister union in Colombia

May14
CUPE delegates raise money for work with union in Colombia

CUPE members from across Newfoundland and Labrador headed home on 8 May as their annual convention wrapped in Grand Falls-Windsor, but not before raising almost $11,000 for a sister union in Central America.

Greeks say no to water privatisation

Jan29
Water tap by Laenulfean

Greece is under enormous pressure to privatize its water system. As the country drowns in debt, the European Commission, the International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank (often referred to as the “troika”) work with eager Greek political parties to balance the books by selling off public water.

Water privatisation in Europe

Jan22
Water fountain by airdiogo

The German public TV show, Monitor, has produced an interesting piece on water privatisation threats in Europe.

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Privatising Europe - Using the crisis to entrench neoliberalism

Mar18
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.

Water companies and trends in Europe

Sep24

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.

Re-municipalising municipal services in Europe

Aug27

Privatisation, contracting out and outsourcing have been the dominant trends in public services. Now there is increasing evidence of trends in the opposite direction, according to a report from EPSU.

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Rosa Pavanelli elected to lead Public Services International

Nov28

Italian trade unionist Rosa Pavanelli has been elected as the new leader of the global union federation Public Services International, representing 20 million public service workers in 150 countries. Pavanelli says her vision is founded on “giving PSI new energy, and standing up for justice, solidarity, equality, a fairer and more sustainable world.”

The leadership vote took place during PSI’s 29th World Congress in Durban, South Africa (27-30 November 2012). Danish trade unionist Peter Waldorff had sought re-election as general secretary following one term in office.