From Greg McLean
Public Services International (PSI) Asia
Pacific Region (APR) Utilities and Local Government Network Coordinator
The P.S.I is recognised
by Affiliates and others as the organisation in the electricity, energy, water (Utility)
and local government (LG) that represents Unions and Employees in these
Sectors/Industries. The majority of PSI affiliates are involved in these two Sectors.
In the APR,
for the above Sectors, in the past 12 Months I have undertaken a range of
activities in support of PSI APR and the Congress resolutions/outcomes, this
includes -
Linking P.S.I - A.P.R Affiliates in Local Government and Utilities has
been operating for some time achieving good results for the funds available.
Our next steps include increased contact globally, around Sector/s reform, OECD
countries, APEC , ADB , Trade Agreements
as examples and thus contact with PSI – LG & Utility Global Affiliates, which
now includes circulation of Asia Pacific Utilities and Local Government
Bulletin.
Building links
with the European Public Sector Union
Federation (EPSU). Exchange local government and utility news, trends,
campaigns, actions and challenges faced by PSI Unions working in Local Government
and Utilities in APR and EPSU, continues to be critical. Includes briefing by EPSU,
Brussels, September 2013. Courtesy of the
ASU.
PSI Asia Pacific LG & Utility Blog - An important mechanism for
exchange on activities, campaigns and more. The blog is update daily, available
in 49 languages, Topics covered include -
PSI Asia Pacific LG & Utility
Bulletin - Twelve Editions distributed each year, to all PSI LG & Utility
Affiliates Globally, plus additional advice
items, information, highlighted as needed. Blog & Bulletin also Facebook-ed to over 160
PSI contacts in local government and utilities outside of the Asia Pacific
region, plus Facebook-ed on the PSI AP Facebook page.
Electricity – Utilities - PSI global
electricity industry unions meeting September 2013. An important first global
meeting of PSI Utilities for many years, save
any meetings held in conjunction with PSI congress. An excellent opportunity for affiliates from across the four regions
of the PSI to exchange views, highlight priorities, direction and work
activities. A comprehensive report has been prepared and circulated separately.
Courtesy of the ASU I participated in
this meeting, providing number of presentations.
Local Government - Briefings by PSI United Kingdom (UK) LG & Utility
Affiliates Unite, GMB and Unison, PSIRU, plus APSE Local Government
Centre. A detail report including issues of insourcing, pensions, fairness
commissions and more, has been developed to provide understanding and
assistance for work to be rolled out in 2014/2015. Courtesy of the ASU .
Local Government Global Organisation - Meeting held with Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum, (CLGF) October,
policy input and dialogue - originally for just PSI Asia Pacific has now moved globally. The work of the CLGF
supports PSI work, including transparency, gender equity, anti-corruption. CLGF
works with LG organisations across Europe, UN agencies, acceptance by Global LG
‘Organisations as well as commonwealth countries, - Formal advice to PSI Head Office, APR Office September and November
2013.
Networking - Resolution 34 – Congress recognises the importance of
Sector Networking with Resolution 34, carried by 98 % of Delegates at Congress,
largest number of Congress Delegates speaking in favour of a Resolution. Asia
Pacific dialogue well established, have now written to all PSI LG & Utility
Affiliates, plus use of social media, seeking PSI Colleagues for Local Government Network. PSI Utilities (Electricity) meeting 2013
has contributed towards Utility Sector Networking. Outcomes for LG and Utility Networking
regularly reported to PSI HQ and APR Office’s, (each month or more by email, letters and offers of information sharing).
“Global
Networking brings into
consideration and acceptance principles of the OECD, UNESCO, ILO, UN and other Organisations
outside of a Community closer to a Communities’ needs.”
The above
meetings and actions have been taken, by either voluntary time or by my Union
(ASU) support.
Greg Mclean OAM
Public Services International
Asia Pacific Utilities / Local Government Network
Coordinator
Fax 61 2 9283
9270
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 organisations.
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