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United States

New Trade Deal—TISA—Could Undermine Safety, Environmental, Workers’ Rights Regs

11 September 2014

AFL-CIO - The United States is currently negotiating a new International Services Agreement called the Trade in Services Agreement, or TISA. At the start of 2012, a number of World Trade Organization (WTO) member states, including the European Union, formed a group called the “Really Good Friends of Services” or RGF (and yes, that is really what they named themselves), with the purpose of drafting a trade agreement that would further liberalize trade and investment in services and expand regulatory disciplines on services sectors.

Strong Union Contract Ends Eight Week Work Stoppage

18 August 2014
Photo UWUA

Utility workers in Pittsburgh, USA, have ratified a new union contract that includes solid job protections for working families and ends an eight-week work stoppage by nearly 150 union workers at four Pennsylvania-American Water worksites throughout the Pittsburgh area.

American Water benefits slash illegal, says Labour Relations Board

09 August 2014
UWUA logo

On 31 July, the U.S. National Labor Relations Board declared that American Water illegally slashed healthcare and other benefits for 3,200 workers in nearly 70 different bargaining units in fifteen states across the U.S.

Water is a human right, and not just in Detroit

29 July 2014

The heat is on in Detroit, where the public water utility is cutting off water supply for non-payers. This new policy of water shutoffs, leaving thousands of families without access to running water, has sparked a mobilisation with global implications.

Harris v. Quinn: PSI stands with all unions in the USA in the fight for social justice

03 July 2014
Scenes showing home care workers and their clients outside the Harris v. Quinn press conference at Supreme Court - Washington, DC - Photo by David Sachs / SEIU

Public Services International (PSI) condemns the continuing attacks on trade union rights for public sector workers in the USA. The conservative majority of the US Supreme Court this week, in Harris v. Quinn, attacked the rights of home care workers and invites further legal challenges. This decision is the result of years of plotting, manipulating and massive financing from neo-conservative pressure groups. It demonstrates the growing corporate power in the USA, and confirms their strategy of undermining all trade unions.

PSI at the Inter-American Development Bank

21 May 2014

Since the 2013 meeting of the PSI Inter-American Regional Executive Committee (IAMREC), held in Washington, D.C., PSI leaders and staff have intensified efforts to engage the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to improve working conditions and strengthen labor rights in the region.

US Labor Relations Board complaint against FirstEnergy labour practices

05 May 2014

The U.S. National Labor Relations Board has issued a complaint charging FirstEnergy Corp., its operating companies West Penn Power and Potomac Edison, and other FirstEnergy subsidiaries with a wide range of unfair labor practices during ongoing negotiations with the Utility Workers Union of America for a new labor agreement covering more than 700 workers throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia.

FirstEnergy ends Penelec lockout but continues unfair concession demands

09 April 2014
striking workers

The Utility Workers Union of America, a PSI affiliate, welcomed FirstEnergy’s decision to end its lockout of 142 utility workers at its Penelec subsidiary in central Pennsylvania, but criticized management for unilaterally implementing unfair cutbacks in customer service standards, employee working conditions, and benefits.

Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP)

09 April 2014

International trade agreements such as the TPP are currently being fast-tracked and negotiated in secrecy. These agreements undermine local and national government decision-making power and increase corporate access to public services resulting in the privatization of critical public services. PSI is working with global union federations, affiliated unions, and civil society allies who oppose the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) being negotiated in the Asia Pacific Region.

Trade in Services Agreement (TISA)

02 April 2014

PSI is currently undertaking further research on the effects of the TISA on our sectors. PSI will be working with civil society and other allies to oppose the harmful effects of the TISA.