CESI@noon on affordable housing
As rents and real estate prices continue to skyrock, CESI Youth held a CESI@noon lunchtime debate on possible EU measures for more affordable housing.
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EU Equal Pay Day 2017: No progress
November 3 is EU Equal Pay Day - again. It symbolises the wage gap between women and men. A gap of 16.4% in the EU. A gap according to which the 'average' woman does not get paid anymore as of today - until the end of the year. And: Last year's EU Equal Pay Day was also on November 3, which means that no progress has been achieved since then. According to Kirsten Lühmann, President of CESI's Commission on Women's Rights and Gender Equality, policy makers and authorities are just not doing enough to bring about change.
CESI@noon: Trade unions of military and civilian staff discuss the future of the European Defence Union
On October 18, CESI and the Hessen Land Representation to the European Union brought together key stakeholders from the national and European levels to discuss the future of the ‘European Defence Union: What next?’ at the 17th edition of CESI's lunchtime debate series 'CESI@noon'.
Posting of workers: A breakthrough after all
On October 24, the Employment and Social Affairs Ministers of the Member States adopted a general approach regarding the revision of the Posting of Workers Directive. Among others, and differing from the views of the European Parliament, the Councils advocates an exclusion of the transport sector and remuneration standards of main contractors to subcontractors from the directive. While confirming the inclusion of temporary agency workers who shall be paid in accordance with the laws and practices of the host Member States, the ministers remained largely silent on a broad application of collective agreements as a basis for remuneration rules for posted workers. However, despite having expected more, CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger expressed a cautious optimism with the decision of the Council:
Priorities on the Commission’s proposal for a Directive on work-life balance for parents and carers
Earlier this month in October, CESI's internal members' Commission on Women's Rights and Gender Equality deliberated, together with representatives from the European Commission and the European Women's Lobby (EWL), on the European Commission's recent legislative proposal for a Directive on work-life balance for parents and carers. Based on their debate as well as CESI's contributions to a two-stage social partner consultation preceding the publication of the proposal, a set of key priorities was put forward in advance of legislative negotiations on the file between the EU's two co-legislators, the European Parliament and the Council.
Europe Academy meets in Berlin on vocational education and training
Today, CESI's internal members' training centre, the Europe Academy, held its annual symposium, this year on 'Bridging education and the world of work: Vocational training and apprenticeships'. More than 100 participants came together at the premises of CESI's German member organisation dbb in Berlin to discuss best practices on how different types of vocational training and apprenticeship schemes can help young people access increasingly dynamic and globalising labour markets.
European Parliament calls for better working conditions for prison staff and personnel
On October 5, the European Parliament plenary adopted a report on prison systems and conditions which emphasises the need for better employment and working conditions for prison staff as a precondition for safer, more secure and less tense conditions in prisons. As a European confederation with national trade unions with prison employees among their membership, CESI welcomes this report with several clear recommendations for action for the European Commission and the governments of the Member States.
Trade Councils ‘Justice’ and ‘Security’ discuss impacts of radicalisation and privatisations for security and law enforcement employees
On October 12, CESI’s Trade Councils on ‘Justice’ and ‘Security’ held their constitutive meetings after CESI’s Congress in December last year. Following elections of the presidency and vice-presidency for the term until 2020, the trade councils -as CESI’s internal members’ committees for deliberation and positioning on EU policies and politics in the fields of law enforcement, justice and security- debated on the latest European developments in police and judicial cooperation as well as border security which are impacting on their professional life.
CESI Commissions on Employment & Social Affairs and Women’s Rights & Gender Equality, within the framework of PULSER project, call for socially just post-Covid rebounce
On October 14 CESI’s members’ Commissions on Employment and Social Affairs and on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality convened under the PULSER project to discuss the European Pillar of Social Rights, the impacts of the Covid pandemic on workers and gender equality in employment. In discussions with European Commission representatives, CESI members made clear that the maintenance of jobs and of health and safety has utmost priority for workers in Europe, and that the crisis must not lead to a backlash in gender equality in Europe.
EU Gender Equality Index: Towards gender equality at snail pace
Yesterday, the EU’s agency for research on gender equality, the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) in Vienna, launched the 2017 edition of its Gender Equality Index (GEI). As the most comprehensive European comparative report of its kind, the GEI measures every two years how far the EU and its Member States are from realising a gender-equal society. The 2017 shows that progress towards gender equality in Europe is, generally, real, but also frustratingly slow. According to Kirsten Lühmann, President of CESI’s Commission on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM), the EU Institutions as well as the governments of the EU Member States need to show more ambition to achieve real gender equality in all dimensions of society, work and life a lot faster that at present.
Upcoming on October 18: CESI@noon on ‘European Defence Union: What next?’
On October 18, CESI will hold the 17th edition of its lunchtime event series "CESI@noon" - this time together with the Representation of the State of Hessen to the EU on "European Defence Union: What next?" Registration is now possible.
CESI joins the EESC & other social partners in efforts to prevent radicalisation
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held recently a public hearing on ‘The role of civil society in the prevention of radicalization of young people’. The event, which gathered policy makers, practitioners and experts in the field, was organised as a preparatory consultation for an own-initiative opinion on ‘Prevention of radicalisation’, an initiative driven by Mr Christian Moos, active member of CESI and the EESC and Divisional Director for European and International Affairs at the German Civil Servants Association (dbb). As such, both the opinion and the event aimed at addressing how civil society, supported by institutional bodies, could counteract the effects of political and religious radicalisation.
Estonian Presidency high-level employment conference “Making it e-easy”: Four priorities to shape the future of work
Last week Wednesday and Thursday, the Estonian Presidency held its central employment conference on ‘Future of work: Making it e-easy’ in Tallinn – An occasion to outline some priorities to shape the future of employment in a sustainable way.
Juncker’s State of the Union speech: Implementation and financing of the Social Pillar key for CESI
In the frame of a his yearly State of the Union address to the European Parliament plenary, Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker today stated that “the wind is back in Europe’s sails.” In a first reaction, CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger reiterated CESI’s view that in order to secure Europe’s future it will be decisive to build on its social components.
Full agenda at the re-constitutive meeting of the ‘Post & Telecoms’ Trade Council in Vienna
Today, CESI’s Trade Council ‘Post & Telecom’, reinstated by Presidium of CESI following its Congress in December last year, met for its re-constitutive meeting in Vienna. With a full agenda, ranging from the election of the Trade Council’s leadership to the adoption of new resolutions, the meeting was hosted by the Austrian postal services trade union section FCG-Post, an affiliate of CESI’s member organisation Eurofedop.
Success for Belgian CESI affiliates: Belgian constitutional court re-affirms the right of collective bargaining, the right to strike and participation to social elections
On July 26 the Constitutional Court of Belgium re-affirmed the annulation of the law of 3 August 2016 regarding railway matters, inserting article 114/1 within the law of July 23 1926 concerning the SNCB (Belgian railway) and the Belgians railway men. The initial request for annulation was introduced by the Syndicat indépendant pour Cheminots (SIC) and others, due to a distinction within the law between different trade unions, which resulted in discrimination, harming ‘approved’ trade unions such as SIC, an affiliate of CESI’s Belgian member UNSP.
Klaus Heeger at the European Economic and Social Committee: “Seize the Pillar of Social Rights and hold governments accountable”
At a conference on the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights in the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) last week, CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger called on civil society organisations and trade unions to seize the new European Pillar of Social Rights and hold national governments accountable whenever they fail in delivering on a more social Europe.
CESI, Social Platform & Eurodiaconia continue to drive the agenda for more public social investments in the Member States
On Tuesday last week CESI, Eurodiaconia and Social Platform held a high-level meeting with key stakeholders and decision-makers from the European institutions to discuss ways to promote more public social investments in the Member States.
CESI contributions to first phase social partner consultations on access to social protection and a possible revision of the Written statement directive
On June 23, CESI delivered its responses to the European Commission's first phase social partner consultations on a possible revision of the Written statement directive and on new measures for a better access to social protection for all. The European Commission had launched these two consultations simultaneously as a consequence of the adoption of the European Pillar of Social Rights earlier this year in April.
Trade Council ‘Central Administration and Finances’ meets in Rome
The re-constitutive meeting of CESI's Trade Council 'Central Administration and Finances' (ACF) following the Congress in December last year took place on June 27 in Rome. With the help of the CESI member organisation CONSFAL-UNSA, the participants were able to focus on some of the most pressing European challenges for central government employees.
Reaction by Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Sohst, member of the Board of the German Armed Forces Association, following the European Council Conclusions of 22 – 23 June 2017
On the occasion of the latest European Council meeting which took place last week in Brussels, Member States discussed and took a stance on a number of important topics such as security and defence, migration and digital Europe (cybersecurity strategy). In response to the decisions taken in the field of a Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) in the European Union, Lieutenant- Colonel Thomas Sohst, Chairman of the West Regional Council of German Armed Forces Association, made the following comment.
Message by CESI on the occasion of the Public Service Day 2017
Since the UN resolution 57/277 adopted by the General Assembly, that designated June 23 as Public Services Day, we have seen annual celebrations all over the world. The UN Public Service Day celebrates the value and virtue of public service to the community. It also aims to highlight the contribution of public service in the development process and recognises the work of public servants, and encourages young people to pursue careers in the public sector.
Presidium and Board meet to steer CESI’s continued successful evolution
On June 21 and 22, CESI's Presidium and Board met to take decisions to steer CESI's continued successful evolution as a European trade union umbrella organisation in Brussels.
CESI@noon on the European Pillar of Social Rights: No phrase-mongering but a way to go for social progress
Today, CESI and the Bertelsmann Stiftung jointly held the 16th edition of CESI's lunchtime debate series 'CESI@noon' on the topic of 'European Pillar of Social Rights: Phrase-mongering of real social progress?' Held with experts from the European Commission, think tanks, civil society and trade unions, the event made clear the Pillar can help make Europe more social, provided that there is a political will among the European and national-level institutions, policy makers, authorities and social partners to implement and enforce it.
CESI to participate in EU sectoral social dialogue on postal services
On Monday this week, CESI’s Secretary General Klaus Heeger signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Regional Secretary of UNI Europa, Oliver Roethig, on a participation of CESI in the EU sectoral social dialogue committee ‘Postal services’ together with UNI Europa.
CESI Youth Representative Matthäus Fandrejewski a member of the new Commission-supported European Apprentices Network (EAN)
The four-year anniversary conference of the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) on May 30-31 in Malta did not only focus on the gathering of various stakeholders but also saw the official launch of the new European Apprentices Network (EAN). CESI Youth Representative, Matthäus Fandrejewski, was invited to take part as a member. As member of the EAN, he will be sharing knowledge of his own inside information as a former apprentice himself.
CESI at the 4-year celebration of the European Alliance for Apprenticeships in Malta
On May 30-31 a conference was held in Malta, celebrating the first four years of the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA). With an opening speech made by Silvio de Bono, the President Board of Governors of MCAST (Malta College of Arts Science and Technology) and Evarist Bartolo, the Maltese Minister for Education and Employment, and a video message by European Commissioner Marianne Thyssen, the conference got off to a great start. As a member of the EAfA, CESI and the CESI Youth also participated in the conference.
Klaus Heeger on the Pillar of Social Rights: Encouraging package by the Commission, now everyone to push for implementation and enforcement
At a hearing in the European Parliament on last week Thursday, CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger drew positive conclusions about the European Commission's recent package delivering the European Pillar of Social Rights and called on Member States and social partners to work together for a successful implementation and enforcement of what could become a new, fuller social dimension for the EU.
Registration now open – Upcoming on June 20 – CESI@noon “European Pillar of Social Rights: Phrase-mongering or real social progress?”
June 20 will see the next edition of CESI's event series 'CESI@noon' with a lunchtime panel debate on 'European Pillar of Social Rights: Phrase-mongering or real social progress?' Registration to the event, which will be held jointly together with the Bertelsmann Stiftung, is now open.
Europe Day: EU and Member States should exhibit more solidarity and invest more in people
After a tumultuous year, that has proven to be challenging on many levels, CESI would like to take the opportunity to recall the many achievements that have been fulfilled throughout the European project on this day of Robert Schuman’s historic declaration. CESI has always and will continue to advocate for a stronger Europe, not only for its institutions, but for the benefit of its workers and citizens.
CESI’s Spanish member CSI-F and the European Women’s Lobby take joint action to fight the gender pensions gap in Spain
On May 12, CESI's Spanish member CSI-F (Central Independent and Public Employees' Trade Union) and CESI's Board member of the European Women's Lobby (EWL), Carmen Jaffke, called on the Spanish government to end the gender pensions gap in the country.
CESI Trade Council ‘Education’: Valorisation of the teaching profession at the centre of the debate
Today, CESI's Trade Council 'Education, Training and Research' (EDUC) held its constitutive meeting after CESI's Congress in December last year. Following the elections of the trade council presidency and vice-presidency for the legislative term until 2020, the trade council, as CESI's internal members' committee for deliberation and positioning on EU education policies, discussed some of CESI's most pressing European priorities that concern the teachers and educators that CESI represents.
Belgian CESI affiliate wins landmark court case on trade union pluralism
On last week Thursday, May 18, the Belgian Syndicat Independant pour Cheminots (SIC), an affiliate of CESI's member organisation UNSP (Union Nationale des Services Publics), won a landmark case at the Belgian Constitutional Court which will strengthen the rights of independent trade unions in social dialogue and strike instances in Belgium.
New CESI Network of Legal Advisers meets for the first time
On May 4, the first meeting of a newly created internal network of legal experts took place at CESI in Brussels, bringing together expert jurists from member organisations of CESI in five European countries: Italy, Spain, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Germany and Turkey.
Labour day: A fair Europe is needed… and a more positive thinking!
The current challenges for the EU are numerous - on today's Labour Day it is time to recall what is the essence of the EU that is meant to keep us all together. The gap between the EU and the citizens must at least be reduced, and the glue that may keep the EU going is solidarity - solidarity among workers, between workers and those excluded from the labour market, as well as within and between Member States. And: Solidarity also refers to investing in people! That is CESI's leitmotiv.
World Day for Safety and Health at Work: Optimise the collection and use of occupational safety and health data
Today is World Day for Safety and Health at Work. Initiated by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 2003 as an annual day to commemorate the victims of occupational diseases and accidents, concerns over health and safety for workers remain to the day. CESI takes the occasion of this year's World Day to recall the fundamental importance of occupational heath and safety for all.
European Pillar of Social Rights and accompanying initiatives: CESI leadership expresses cautious optimism
Today, the European Commission presented a long-awaited set of measures to improve the EU's social dimension. Under the heading 'European Pillar of Social Rights and accompanying initiatives', the European Commission issued 20 principles to guide the future of employment and social affairs. While these principles are not legally binding or directly enforceable targets, there are a number of accompanying legislative proposals, most notably in the area of work-life balance. In a first reaction, the CESI leadership expressed cautious optimism about the European Commission's proposals.
Annual Convention for Inclusive Growth 2017: CESI Youth speaks up for a better integration of disadvantaged young people
At the 2017 Annual Convention for Inclusive Growth (ACIG) on Monday this week, the European Commission discussed with civil society and trade union organisations how to create better opportunities for disadvantaged young people to participate in societal life and access the labour market. CESI Youth Representative Matthäus Fandrejewski spoke as a rapporteur on the outcomes of a workshop on 'Opening up quality pathways for young people'.
French presidential elections, first round: A positive signal for social Europe?
A commentary by Klaus Heeger, Secretary General of CESI, in response to the first round of the French presidential elections yesterday.
Brexit letter: Some clarity at last – And new momentum for Social Europe?
A personal commentary by Klaus Heeger, Secretary General of CESI, in response to the submission of the 'Brexit letter' by the UK government to the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, earlier this week.
Joint press release by CESI, Social Platform and Eurodiaconia: The future of Europe needs more social investment
60th anniversary of the Rome Treaties: A real social dimension as the key to a successful EU
Statement from the CESI leadership: Commemorating the Brussels bombings one year ago
In commemoration of the Brussels bombings today one year ago, CESI President Romain Wolff and Secretary General Klaus Heeger pay tribute to the victims of the attacks and insist on a continued and united fight against radicalisation and terrorism.
With CESI involvement: EU central government administrations social dialogue committee holds final project conference on health and safety at work
Berlin hosted the final project conference on 14-15 March 2017 for the European social partners for central government, which includes CESI as a member of the employee delegation 'TUNED'. Participants were able to discuss the final products of a project on psychosocial risks at work, an European Commission-funded health and safety project.
First meeting after the Congress: Presidium sets up CESI’s working structures for the new legislative period
Today, CESI's new Presidium, elected at the last Congress in December 2016, met for the first time to re-constitute CESI's working structures for the legislative period until 2020. The Presidium also discussed on current political affairs, most notably the White Paper on the future of the EU recently issued by the European Commission.
CESI@noon/EPC policy dialogue ‘Putting social investment first’
On last week Friday, March 3, CESI and the European Policy Centre (EPC) held a joint CESI@noon/EPC policy dialogue on 'Putting social investment first: Time for a new narrative for Europe'. The event not only saw the publication of an EPC study on ways towards more social investments in Europe but also continues CESI's engagement for more public social investments in Europe.
Success for CESI’s member ZV Öffentliches Personal: Switzerland says no to Business Imposition Reform III
The Swiss Sovereign has clearly said NO to the reduction of the Public Service in Switzerland.
Kirsten Lühmann on the International Women’s Day: ‘Commit to a Europe of social fairness and gender equality’
March 8 is International Women’s Day. Celebrated under the auspices of the UN every year since 1977, the day recalls persisting and widespread gender inequalities around the world. This year’s theme is ‘Planet 50-50 by 2030: Women in the changing world of work’ – a UN initiative which asks governments and societies to close gender equality gaps within the next 13 years. Kirsten Lühmann, President of CESI’s Commission on Women’s Rights and Equality, translates this into the European context: For her, EU leaders must finally commit to a Europe of social fairness and full gender equality.