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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.

The Role of Public Service Trade Unions in achieving Decent Work for Persons with Disabilities

21 March 2017

This groundbreaking conference, organised by PSI with the support of ILO/ACTRAV and ILO/GED, marked the beginning of a new area of collaboration. PSI in partnership with the ILO explored the issue of workers with disabilities with a special focus on the role of the public sector and public services.

PSI berates Nigerian government’s privatisation programme

21 March 2017
Adeyemi Peters, vice-president of PSI

PSI has criticized the entire privatization exercise of federal government, describing it as unfavorable to workers. In a parallel development, the Lagos State Council of Trade Union Congress (TUC) has decried the recent bill passed by the Lagos State House of Assembly, denying Lagosians access to water.

Report slams UK's disastrous reliance on PPPs

20 March 2017

A new report released by the UK-based Jubilee Debt Campaign provides a scathing critique of the failure of PPPs across a range of sectors and serves as a warning against the use and abuse of PPPs the world over.

Costa Rica: Quality public healthcare system in danger

15 March 2017
Demonstration by BUSSCO in Costa Rica

Since the 1990s, neoliberal policies have claimed victims in the public services sector run by the Costa Rican state. The rise of the neoliberal globalization which is expanding with free trade, has involved big businesses aggressive pursuit of new sources of profit. This is the reason behind the waves of privatization of public services like water, education, health and others.

Fresh attacks on the Right to Health in Brazil

15 March 2017
SAMU ambulances, Brazil

At a meeting of the Health Committee of the São Paulo Municipal Chamber held at the end of February, workers at the mobile emergency care service (SAMU) criticised the mayor, João Doria (PSDB), for his plan to transfer care to private “social organisations”.

IMF Official highlights need for strong civil service and dangerous risks associated with PPPs

15 March 2017

In the past, many international development organisations such as the World Bank, IMF and parts of the UN have taken an alarmingly optimistic view of Public Private Partnerships, often ignoring their use as debt-hiding tools and the mounting examples of the failure of private sector partners to provide quality public services. However, after a prolonged campaign by unions and civil society, it seems that some officials are finally starting to admit that PPPs don’t live up to the hype - and that a strong civil service is key in mitigating risks created by the private sector.

European unions: Our health is not for sale!

15 March 2017
European public sector unions at the 2016 day of action

Public sector trade unions will demonstrate actively across Europe on 7 April, World Health Day, in the second action day against commercialisation, market-isation and privatisation of health care. World Health Day has been “chosen by health users and workers, citizen collectives, trade unions and NGOs to demonstrate against Health commodification.”