“Everyone must enjoy full access to decent
work, education, health, safety and peace,” says Rosa Pavanelli, General
Secretary of PSI.
On
International Human Rights Day, Public Services International (PSI) calls on
its affiliates and activists to unite and stand firm against the attack on core labour rights and freedoms.
Over
the last few years, an unprecedented attempt to limit freedom of association
and the right to strike has unfolded within the International Labour
Organization (ILO). Since 2012, the employers’ organizations have tried to rule
out the right to strike.As
a result, the very essence of democracy at work is at risk, with additional
pressure for trade unions at the national level.
Not
surprisingly, precarious work is on the increase almost everywhere while social protest tends to be
criminalised, seriously threatening the achievements of social dialogue.
With
the support of international financial institutions and lobbied by corporate
interests, governments continue to pursue an ultra-liberal agenda, along with
failing austerity measures. Yet,
the trade union movement keeps fighting.
Workers’ organisations are at the forefront in opposing a new wave of trade
agreements that might commodify public services and
question national sovereignty, while benefiting multinationals, instead of the
workers and taxpayers.
Trade
unions keep mobilising for tax justice, calling for an end to tax havens, tax competition and to tax breaks
for international companies that do not create jobs, but rather destroy them.The
trade union movement continues to build bridges across borders, striving to
ensure living wages and decent working conditions for millions of migrant workers.
“From the attack on democracy at work to the dismantlement of public
services, there seems to be a coordinated strategy eroding some fundamental
human rights,” says Rosa Pavanelli, General Secretary of PSI.
“Amongst the many challenges ahead, millions of people are also deprived
of their rights because of natural disasters, the impact of climate change and
endless conflicts.”
“PSI remains strongly committed to ensure that the international
community pursues real sustainable development goals and that everyone enjoys
full human rights, such as decent work, education, health, safety and peace.”
Download a PDF of the statement in English
Advice from PSI Communications
Public Services International is a
global trade union federation representing 20 million working women and men who
deliver vital public services in 150 countries. PSI champions human rights,
advocates for social justice and promotes universal access to quality public
services. PSI works with the United Nations system and in partnership with
labour, civil society and other organizations.
