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.
All
Main news
posts
European Parliament approves CETA: Keep an eye on worker rights and public services
In a plenary vote today, the European Parliament approved the EU-Canada CETA free trade and investment deal. CETA can therefore come into force provisionally as of April 2017 (except for the area of investment protection), yet has to be approved by national parliaments as well in order to become fully applicable. CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger calls for a careful scrutiny of worker rights and public services under the agreement.
CESI meets EU Education and Youth Commissioner Navracsics to discuss the role of teachers in tackling radicalisation through education
Today, on the 9th February 2017, Secretary General Klaus Heeger met with Commissioner of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, Mr Tibor Navracsics, handing over CESIÂŽs position paper on the issue of preventing radicalisation.
Programme Commission discusses CESI work priorities for 2017
On Friday, January 3, CESI's Programme Commission met to discuss CESI's work priorities and main activities for the year 2017.
New CESI position on trade and investment agreements available
A new CESI position paper on EU free trade and investment agreements, adopted by the CESI Presidium and Board in December 2015, is now available in CESI's five working languages.
CESI Programme Commission meets to discuss work priorities for 2016
Today, CESI's Programme Commission met to discuss CESI's work priorities and main activities for the year 2016.
EU not to revise the Working Time Directive
The European Commission notified the social partners that there will be no legislative revision of the Working Time Directive. Instead, the Commission announced an 'Interpretative communication' to bring more clarity about the proper application of the legislative piece. CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger welcomed the plans of the European Commission but stressed that the directive is, in its current form, far from satisfactory for many workers.
Trade union and civil society representatives launch talks with EU decision-makers on ways towards more public social investment in Europe
On 12 January CESI, Social Platform and Eurodiaconia held a joint meeting with stakeholders and decision-makers on ways to achieve higher levels of public social investment in European Union Member States. It emerged that increased budgetary flexibility to promote such investment is a real possibility, especially in the areas of early childhood education and care, primary and secondary education, training and active labour market policies, as well as affordable and social housing. There is strong evidence demonstrating the economic benefit of public social investment in these fields, which are also key for developing human capital. Therefore budgetary flexibility could be permitted in areas producing both an economic and social impact.
CESI Congress round-up: Election results and adopted motions
At its 7th Congress held in Brussels today, CESI elected its new leadership and adopted guidelines and positions for the upcoming legislative term until 2020.
New position paper on the Social Pillar
At its meeting on December 1, the CESI Presidium adopted a position paper on the forthcoming European Pillar of Social Rights.
European Parliament report stresses the right of association for military personnel
MEPs have today taken an important decision by voting on a motion on the European Defence Union.
AGS 2017: Cautious moves towards more investments
Today, the European Commission published its yearly Annual Growth Survey (AGS), jumpstarting the 2017 European Semester cycle of economic policy coordination. CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger notes cautious calls by the European Commission to raise public social investments.
Secretary General Klaus Heeger on the Turkey Report 2016
While according to different media sources over a hundred thousand public sector employees have, as a reaction to the July coup attempt, meanwhile been suspended, dismissed, arrested and detained, the European Commission published its latest Turkey Report as part of the 2016 enlargement package. The report denounces âarbitrary applications of the law in Turkeyâ during the last year and confirms that the sectors and professions particularly hit are the judiciary, police, military, civil service, local authorities, teachers and lawyers.
US election: Europeâs role in the world to increase
As Donald Trump wins the US presidential elections, the importance of the EU and its Member States as strongholds for democracy, tolerance and human rights increases. They must now show and prove that they can overcome national egoisms and are able to tackle jointly global problems. A commentary by CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger.
Today, 3 November 2016, is (again) European Equal Pay Day!
âThis day is the day in the year when women across Europe stop being paid due to the gender pay gap. With the average hourly wage for women in Europe being 16.7 % lower than it is for men, they in effect work 16% of the year for freeâ, states the European Commission. "If the average European man stops work today, he still gets paid as much this year as the average European woman who keeps working until 31 December. That is not fair, not sustainable and frankly not acceptable. European employers must stop sending the message that women are worth two pay cheques less than men each year. Men and women in the European Union are equal âthat is one of our fundamental values. But on our labour market, even in the year of 2016, this is not yet a reality.â
CESI President Romain Wolff on work-life balance in Portugal
On the occasion of the Congress of CESIÂŽs Portuguese member organization USI (Union dos Sindicatos Independientes), USI President Paulo Marcos and CESI President Romain Wolff had an exchange of views with Miguel Cabrita, State Secretary in the Ministry for Employment, Solidarity and Social Security, on the topic of work-life balance, the leitmotiv of USIÂŽs congress.
Alliance PN meeting with President Hollande on the working conditions of security forces
The recent attack against French police officers in the department of Essonne highlights the mounting pressure and the increasing violence that the French law enforcement forces are exposed to. CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger firmly condemns these attacks highlighting the importance of security forces, especially in this day and age where destabilisation of internal security within the EU is a growing threat.
CESI Europe Academy on responsible players in OSH policy implementation in the public sector
On Friday, October 14, CESI's members' training centre, the Europe Academy, held its second symposium of the year on 'Responsible players in the implementation of the occupational safety and health (OSH) policy in the public sector in Europe: Managers, trade unions, safety reps'. The seminar was the second of two conferences of the Europe Academy this year in the framework of a project on 'Health and safety at work in the public sector: new challenges'. The project is an important part of CESI's awareness-raising work on healthy workplaces in the context of its role as partner of EU-OSHA's Healthy Workplaces Campaign.
MatthĂ€us Fandrejewski presents a young trade unionistâs perspective on migration management to the European Parliament AFET and DEVE Committees
On Tuesday, October 11, CESI Youth Representative MatthÀus Fandrejewski was invited to present a young trade unionist's perspective on migration management to the European Parliament Committees on Development and Foreign Affairs.
Consequences to be drawn from the British Brexit vote to prevent repeating the mistakes of the past â Commentary by Rainer Dumont du Voitel, former CESI Vice-President
Mr Cameronâs referendum aimed to momentarily serve the cohesion of his own party but has done a disservice to both his country and the EU. The implementation of the British exit will require a great deal of effort and energy. It will have to be planned so as to harm the European citizens as little as possible. Otherwise, the fall of Europe shall be a reality, writes Rainer Dumont du Voitel, former CESI Vice-President, in a guest commentary.
CESI responds to second phase social partner consultation of work-life balance
Today, CESI submitted its response to the European Commissionâs second-phase social partner consultation on possible action addressing the challenges of work-life balance faced by working parents and caregivers.
Presidium sets the stage for Congress in December
CESI's Presidium met today in Brussels to finalise preparations for the Congress on December 2.
CESIâs main messages on the (forthcoming) European Pillar of Social Rights
At its meeting today, CESI's Presidium adopted main messages on the (forthcoming) European Pillar of Social Rights.
CESI@noon: âThe use of military forces for internal security tasksâ
On 27 September, EUROMIL and CESI jointly organised the 14th edition of CESI@noon on the topic of 'The use of military forces for internal security tasks'.
Bratislava summit and State of the union recap: Action needs to follow from words
Last week, European Commission President Juncker delivered his latest State of the Union speech in the European Parliament, and two days later the EU-27âs heads of state and government adopted a so-called âBratislava declaration and roadmapâ on the future European integration. âThe current political circumstances are arguably not favourable for joint action on certain topics. Nevertheless, the State of the Union speech and in particular Bratislava declaration should have been a wake-up call for action. Unfortunately, especially the latter is mostly hollowâ, CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger concluded.
Good news for workers: European Parliament adopts ambitous reports on social dumping and work-life balance measures
Today, the European Parliament plenary adopted two reports on social dumping in the EU and labour market conditions that are (more) favourable to work-life balance. Both reports underscore the long way the EU still has to go in ensuring fair working conditions for everyone.
FEMM/SOC Commissions: Social Pillar and skills & work-life balance policies on the agenda
Today, CESI's Commissions on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) and Employment and Social Affairs (SOC) convened for their last meeting of the year in Brussels. As CESI's most important members' committees for deliberation and positioning on horizontal aspects of EU social, employment and gender equality policies, the meetings addressed some of CESI's most pressing priorities in this field.
Joint statement: A new Europe for people, planet and prosperity for all
Ahead of the Bratislava European summit, CESI signed and supports a common statement by 177 European and national civil society organisations and trade unions on 'A new Europe for people, planet and prosperity for all'. It calls for the European project to reclaim its promise of peace, democracy and solidarity.
EXTENSION of deadline Call for tender: Subcontracting for video
For its 18-months EC-funded project that aims at better tackling and preventing old and new psychosocial risks, the European Social Dialogue Committee for Central Government Administrations (SDC CGA) is looking for a contractor to produce a video.
Upcoming on September 27: CESI@noon with MEP Michael Gahler on âThe use of military forces for internal securityâ
CESI joins the European Alliance for Apprenticeships
Today, CESI officially joined the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA), a platform coordinated by the European Commission to bring together governments, businesses, social partners and others to promote a higher quality, better supply and improved image of apprenticeships in Europe.
Illegal state aid in Ireland: Well-deserved bite in the Apple
The European Commission found today that two tax rulings issued by Ireland substantially lowered the tax paid by Apple in the country since 1991 and that this represents illegal state aid under EU rules. Ireland must now recover unpaid taxes from Apple of up to âŹ13 billion (plus interest) for the years 2003 to 2014. CESI welcomes this decision.
August 12 â A day to put the youth at the centre of attention
On the occasion of the International Youth Day, CESI reiterates the importance of youth questions in today's Europe. CESI, as a representative of more than 5 million workers across Europe, highlights the need to defend the interests of the youth especially on the labour markets.
After a sad Brexit, more joy about the continuation of European integration! â Commentary by Rainer Dumont du Voitel, former CESI Vice-President
Following the Brexit, it is necessary to develop a concept for Europe by means of a realistic, sensible combination of âdownsizingâ and a greater âstep forwardâ that does not exclude common perspectives, and in which unconditional Europeans, federalists and sovereigntists as well as eurosceptics can all find their place, writes Rainer Dumont du Voitel, former CESI Vice-President, in a guest commentary.
Call for tender: Subcontracting for video
For its 18-months EC-funded project that aims at better tackling and preventing old and new psychosocial risks, the European Social Dialogue Committee for Central Government Administrations (SDC CGA) is looking for a contractor to produce a video.
The UK votes to leave the EU: An earthquake â but we have to keep calm!
Yesterday, by a margin of 48 to 52%, the UK voted in a referendum to leave the EU. While the UK government still has to hand in a formal notice of intention to leave the EU, exit negotiations between the two sides will span over at least two years. The UKâs exit from the EU, the Brexit, will certainly bring a high degree of uncertainty both in the UK and the EU, but panic about an imploding EU are probably not appropriate. A commentary by CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger.
International Public Service Day 2016: CESI calls for more public investment
On the occasion of this year's International Public Service Day, CESI, as a representative of several million public sector workers, renews its commitment to defend the interests of its members and calls for more personnel and material resources for public services.
CESI Board adopts new basic positioning paper
Yesterday, CESI's Board adopted an updated basic positioning paper of CESI. The document, drafted by an internal working group with a mandate by the Presidium, represents an up-to-speed text on CESI's raison d'ĂȘtre and its objectives as a European level trade union confederation.
CESI and EPC hold expert seminar on paths towards more social investments
Today, CESI in collaboration with the European Policy Centre (EPC) held an expert seminar on paths towards more social investments.
CESI continues to grow: Union of Montenegrin Physicians a new member
At its meeting on June 22, CESI's Board voted unanimously in favour of the accession of a new trade union as a full CESI member: The Union of Montenegrin Physicians (UMP).
CESI Presidium adopts joint CESI-UFE position on the European Commissionâs fight against tax fraud and tax avoidance
Today, CESI's Presidium confirmed a joint CESI-UFE position on the European Commissionâs fight against tax fraud and tax avoidance.
Forces de lâordre françaises, nous sommes avec vous!
In the wake of Mondayâs heinous attack against a police officer and his wife in Magnanville outside Paris, the Secretary General of CESI, Mr Klaus Heeger, and the President of CESIâs Trade Council âSecurityâ, Mr Gerrit Van de Kamp, have expressed their horror at the loss of innocent lives and the continued attacks against our fundamental and democratic values of a free society. âOur thoughts go to the victimsâ families and friends as well as to the French security forces that have been targeted collectivelyâ, stated Mr Van de Kamp and Mr Heeger in a joint declaration.
CESI@noon: Social partner mentoring schemes as a tool for labour market integration of refugees
On Tuesday, CESI in collaboration with UNITEE, the New European Business Confederation, held another edition of its lunchtime panel debate series âCESI@noonâ. This time, the event took place on the topic of âLabour market integration of refugees: the role of entrepreneurs and trade unionsâ. The objective was to draw attention to the integration of migrants into the labour market through a channel which has so far been mostly underexploited: Mentoring schemes for refugees which seek to create a bond of trust and stand as a catalyser for integration by pairing up employers and employees together with refugees.
EU social dialogue committee âCentral government administrationsâ fixes 2016-2018 work programme
At its plenary meeting on June 10, the EU's social dialogue committee 'Central government administrations' adopted its work programme for the years 2016-2018. Together with EPSU, CESI forms the TUNED-delegation - the employee representatives in the Committee.
CESI affiliates Carmen Jaffke and Kirsten LĂŒhmann re-elected into EWL Board of Administration
At the General Assembly of the European Women's Lobby (EWL) on June 4 2016 in Brussels, CESI affiliates Carmen Jaffke and Kirsten LĂŒhmann were re-elected into the Board of Administration.
CESI presents recommendations on youth participation in trade unions to MEP Monika Vana
Yesterday in Strasbourg, CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger presented recommendations on a better participation of youngsters in trade union work to MEP Monika Vana (Greens/EFA), member of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs.
Europe Academy symposium addresses impacts of new working rhythms on employee health
Last week Friday, CESI's members' training centre, the Europe Academy, held its first symposium of the year on impacts of new working rhythms in the public sector on the health of employees. The seminar, which took place in Copenhagen, was the first of two conferences of the Europe Academy this year in the framework of a project on 'Health and safety at work in the public sector: new challenges'. The project is an important part of CESI's awareness-raising work on healthy workplaces in the context of its role as partner of EU-OSHA's Healthy Workplaces Campaign.
CESI presents position on public sector workers in the fight against radicalisation and terrorism to the Dutch Council Presidency
CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger and the President of CESI's Trade Council 'Security', Gerrit van de Kamp, handed over CESI's new position paper on the role of public sector workers in the fight against radicalisation and terrorism to the Dutch Minister of Security and Justice, Ard van der Steur, in The Hague today.
CESI expresses solidarity with strikes of public sector workers in Belgium today
Today, public sector workers across Belgium are on strike in order to express their dismay about continued cuts in public services in the country. CESI expresses its solidarity with all those protesting today.
Upcoming on June 14: CESI@noon event on âLabour market integration of refugeesâ
June 14 will see the next edition of CESI's event series 'CESI@noon' with a lunchtime panel debate on 'Labour market integration of refugees: The role of entrepreneurs and trade unions'. Registration is now open.
Joint CESI â UFE position on the European Commissionâs fight against tax fraud and tax avoidance
CESI's Trade council Central Administration and Finances adopted today a joint CESI-UFE position on the European Commissionâs fight against tax fraud and tax avoidance. The position still needs to be approved by the Presidium of CESI at its next meeting in June.