24-11-2003: Against a destructive liberalistation of jobs

The public sector of CESI (the USSP), held a meeting of its Committee in Brussels on 24 November 2003. Chaired by Christian CHAPUIS, the meeting examined issues of a highly topical nature, which were as follows:

• The worrying situation of the rail sector regarding the current attempts at liberalisation and, in particular, the recent decision by the European Parliament to open up freight and passenger rail transport to competition. Employees organisations affiliated to the USSP and principally the Belgian ‘Syndicat indépendant pour cheminots’ (Independent Trade Union for Railwaymen) from the sector affiliated to the UNSP, believe that the situation will have disastrous consequences in terms of job losses, but also in terms of safety and comfort for travellers. Moreover, it is an attempt to dismantle the ‘public sector’ which will jeopardise, through a ‘policy of the lowest cost’, the status of workers. Finally, it is an unacceptable attack on the right to mobility (for example through the cancellation of non-profitable lines).
   

• As part of its defence of the preservation of a genuine public service, USSP/CESI examined once again the situation of customs authorities in Europe with regard to the next phase of enlargement. With respect to this matter, USSP/CESI demands as a matter of urgency a policy for the training and on-the-job training of customs staff, whose tasks are being adapted and extended, given security demands in particular, and asks, with this in mind, for a ‘European Customs Academy’ to be set up. Similarly, USSP/CESI calls for a uniformisation of European law and harmonised statutes for employees in order to guarantee uniform regulations at the borders of an enlarged Europe. Finally, USSP/CESI demands a public officer status for those working for customs authorities, equiped with the adequate working conditions to guarantee his/her independence, in particular.
   

• The future place of the USSP/CESI within the European sectoral social dialogue in public service. The USSP plans to pursue its battle and continue to work for its place on the European trade union scene.
   

• USSP/CESI deplored, once again, the manner and content of the reform of the status of European public service employees.
   

• Finally, the meeting examined the issue of stress, and its catastrophic consequences, which has devastating effects in the workplace. More than half of working days lost are due to stress. USSP/CESI points out the primary responsibilities of employers relating to this matter and demands as a matter of urgency that measures to deal with stress be reinforced.