Public and Commercial Services Union

European Federation of Public Sector Unions and Public Sector International

PCS’ representation in EPSU and PSI has improved with PCS now represented on the key committees:

• Hugh Lanning, EPSU executive committee
• Charles Cochrane Chair, national European administrations committee
• Pat Campbell PSI executive board, 5 year term. Elected September 2007

PCS is supporting the rationalisation of EPSU and PSI, following the coming together of the World Confederation of Labour (WCL) and the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) to form the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).

The EPSU/PSI merger discussions are currently taking place. EPSU and PSI are yet to agree a rule change, although they have issued a joint statement which was agreed at the PSI congress.

Pressure needs to be kept up to ensure that the merger discussions do not stall – the intention is that the merger will be completed by the EPSU Congress in 2009.

PCS is seen as a union that can contribute actively based on its UK experience and current campaigns.

Work continues to get the EPSU-PSI UK/Ireland Constituency functioning again, establishing regular meetings, working together to take forward the EPSU Quality Public Services campaign in the UK, and to mobilise support for the ETUC petition calling on the European Commission to bring forward European legislation to protect public services.

Union Network International and other affiliated organisations

In relation to our private sector members, we are affiliated to Union Network International (UNI) and the Commercial Sector is currently taking forward our work in this area. UNI recently participated in a seminar on the Commercial Sector Review.

Historically, we have also participated in Eurocadres – a small organisation aimed at public sector professional and managerial staff.

David Cliff has attended some recent events to consider its relevance to the development of the PMA.

There are also group affiliations – in particular in taxation and air traffic control – which should be monitored, and reports / updates given to the international committee.

European and World Social Forums (ESF/WSF)

PCS has participated in the European Social Forum for the past four years.

The next European Social Forum takes place in Malmö, Sweden, September 17-21 2008.

Dates for the World Social Forum are yet to be published.