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Trade union rights news

All work has dignity, and all workers deserve to be treated with respect by their employers. Trade unions play a decisive role in improving working conditions, safety and wages – yet some governments and employers systematically abuse the right of workers to join existing unions or form new ones. PSI works actively to support the right of workers to free collective bargaining, and to help stop abuses when they occur.

Open letter from Rosa Pavanelli to the international trade union movement on the recent events involving the ILO Governing Body

28 March 2018

"The method and content of the actions of the Workers’ Group leadership is the latest episode revealing a structural lack of cooperation, solidarity and democracy among the global trade unions. We regret to say that with this action PSI has lost confidence and trust in the Workers’ Group leadership", says the PSI's General Secretary.

Togo health workers intensify calls on government to address deplorable conditions

27 March 2018

Health sector workers in Lome, Togo, are resuming a series of strike actions in all public health provision centers across the country with effect from 27 March to 30 March 2018. A minimum service will however be guaranteed where necessary.

UN Staff in Geneva Strike Over Pay Cuts and Austerity Agenda

16 March 2018

After months of stalled negotiations over the International Civil Service Commission's failed salary reform process and wider issues of austerity and deteriorating working conditions, UN Staff in Geneva have voted to hold a rare Strike action today, March 16th.

8 things you should know about the US Supreme Court case: Janus vs AFSCME

05 March 2018

And why it may represent one of the biggest attacks on trade union rights in recent decades.

International Civil Servants slam ICSC, prepare for global action

26 February 2018

Staff working at the United Nations and many of its agencies are planning a global day of action for Tuesday, 27th February, to protest the bad faith and intransparent nature of The International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), which is trying to implement severe cuts to take-home pay.

Thousands join US Working People’s Day of Action

26 February 2018
Working People's Day in New York

Thousands of union workers gathered all over the United States to chant, cheer and wave signs in a show of unity ahead of a Supreme Court hearing that could have a profound effect on organised labour.

Mexico: Days of action for trade union rights

15 February 2013
Poster for days of action in Mexico

In association with other Global Union Federations, PSI is mobilising internationally for trade union rights in Mexico during the week 18-24 February 2013.

Korean union officials on hunger strike need your support

31 January 2013
Kim Jungnam KGEU President on hunger strike

Kim Jungnam, President of the Korean Government Employees’ Union, a PSI affiliate, launched a hunger strike on 15 January in the streets of Seoul outside the offices of the Presidential transition committee and vowed to continue his hunger strike until the issues facing his union are resolved.

Chad: Unionists sentenced to prison

28 September 2012

Three trade union leaders in Chad have been sentenced to 18 months in prison after denouncing the situation in the country. Another unionist was sentenced to three months in prison for having smiled in the courtroom. These PSI affiliate members are now asking for support from unions around the world.

PSI Solidarity message to Egyptian trade unions

10 September 2012
Tahir square February 2011

PSI sends solidarity message to Egyptian Federation of Independent Trade Unions - EFITU.

Swaziland - Stop the crackdown on public workers

08 August 2012
Swaziland protestors photo by Garry Knight

The government of Swaziland is cracking down on public sector workers across the board. Civil servants, nurses, teachers and transport workers are all under threat. In support of their affiliates in Swaziland, Public Services International, Education International and the International Transport Workers' Federation have organised a joint protest action on Labourstart.

A gold medal for solidarity

25 July 2012

London's bus workers have won a huge victory. Now, it's the cleaners' turn.
Just three days before the opening of the Olympic games in London, London's bus drivers have won a big victory. As their union Unite reported, the workers "overwhelmingly voted to accept an offer of an Olympic award, meaning most workers will get £577 for the massive increase in workload over the Olympics.”

Send your protest against arrests in Turkey

02 July 2012
Image of riot police

The harassment and intimidation of trade unionists in Turkey continues: in the early morning hours on June 25, the Turkish police raided offices and houses of trade unionists in Turkey. 71 were detained, and eight of these are still under arrest, including the President of PSI-affiliated KESK, Lami Özgen.

Speech by PSI General Secretary in Nigeria

08 July 2013

Speech given by Rosa Pavanelli, PSI General Secretary, during her official visit to Nigeria on 2-5 July 2013.

Campaign materials: The Route of Shame

12 June 2013

Campaign materials for the Route of Shame bicycle ride.

Brochure: "Your Future in Public Hands"

07 June 2013

A compilation of PSI statements and background information for use by PSI delegates at the International Labour Conference ILC

PSI Comments on ILO Report “Collective bargaining in the public service: a way forward”

23 May 2013

Public Services International (PSI) welcomes the report and the excellent work done by the Committee of Experts, considering that this is the first time that collective bargaining in the public service is being addressed in a General Survey. Trade union rights remain the top priority for public sector unions around the world. This is certainly a timely report that exposes many of the challenges that trade unions face in the public sector.

ILO General Survey: Collective bargaining in the public service – A way forward

17 May 2013

The main focus of the ILO General Survey is on collective bargaining rights in the public administration. It also covers a number of other subjects, including consultation, the civil and political rights of public sector employees, the facilities to be granted to trade union representatives, protection against acts of discrimination and interference, and dispute settlement mechanisms. However, Convention No. 154 applies not only to the public administration, but also to the whole of the public and private sectors. This explains that while the Survey focuses on the public administration for the subjects mentioned, it also refers more generally, and in less detail, to the situation in respect of law and practice in the private sector.

General Report of the ILO Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations

16 May 2013

The Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations is an independent body composed of legal experts charged with examining the application of ILO Conventions and Recommendations by ILO member States. The annual report of the Committee of Experts covers numerous matters related to the application of ILO standards.

ILO Manual on Collective Bargaining and Dispute Resolution in the Public Service

16 May 2013

This excellent ILO Manual seeks to provide examples on how different countries have developed successful mechanisms to prevent and resolve disputes in labour relations in the public service. It showcases effective ways to develop collective bargaining systems and provides approaches and formulas for dispute resolution.