European EPSU - local government and utility update

Netherlands	No progress in Provincial negotiations The CNV Publieke Zaak union reports that there has been no progress in the negotiations covering Provincial Councils despite the breakthrough made in local government. A consultation of members over the employers’ offer revealed a clear majority against and the reaction from the employers was to withdraw what they said was their final offer. The unions argue that the employers are showing little respect for members’ efforts and dedication and further action by the trade unions is likely to follow. Read more at > CNV Publieke Zaak (NL)
Netherlands	Employers reject childcare agreement The FNV Abvakabo public services union reports that the employers’ organisation has rejected the agreement covering childcare workers that we reported on in epsucob@NEWS issue no.6. The employers had offered the unions to continue negotiations but this was rejected. The proposed pay increases will not now be implemented and the unions argue that this will be a major blow to ensuring decent work in the sector and encouraging recruitment. Read more at > FNV Abvakabo (NL)
Denmark	Trade unions call for action on equal pay The FOA public services union has joined up with several other trade unions to call for government action to close the gender pay gap. The organisations, along with the Women’s Council, have put forward a range of measures including more paternity leave and changes to the Equal Pay Act. The unions argue that segregation of the labour market is one of the key issues and that it should be possible to compare work of equal value across sectors. They are also calling for more transparency in wage data from employers. Read more at > FOA (DK)
France	National protest over sewage workers’ health and safety The public services federation of the CGT has called a national demonstration for 29 May in defence of the health and safety of sewage workers in the public and private sectors. Official data shows that the life expectancy of sewage workers in Paris is seven years less than workers in general in the region and 17 years less than the national average. Changes to the pensions system have meant that sewage workers now have to work longer in the underground system in order to benefit from early retirement rights. While employees of private sectors don’t benefit from these entitlements. The union is calling for better protection for sewage workers and the same rights for private sector workers. Read more at > CGT Services Publics (FR)
	Advice from EPSU union colleagues www.epsu.org