Romain Wolff at the DBwV General Assembly
At the re-election of AndrĂ© WĂŒstner, the President of CESI highlighted the strong CESIâDBwV partnership and stressed that Europe must strengthen its defence capabilities without undermining social standards or the welfare state.
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CESIâs Trade Council âCentral administration and financesâ calls to invest in national tax administrations
Yesterday, the 2015 meeting of CESIâs Trade Council âCentral administration and financesâ (ACF) took place in Brussels. Addressing questions about the functioning of the EU sectoral social dialogue committee âCentral government administrationsâ and the growing problem of violence in public services, it also adopted a resolution with recommendations on how to move forward the fight against tax fraud and tax evasion in Europe.
Commission conference âA social agenda for transportâ: Yes, we need adequate EU institutional support for sectoral social dialogue!
Today, the European Commissions hosted a long-awaited high-level conference on 'A social agenda for transport'. During a panel discussion dealing specifically with the role of sectoral social dialogue in the transport sector, sectoral social dialogue committee representatives welcomed the Commission's stated intention for a 'new start' for (sectoral) social dialogue in the EU but stressed that adequate support by the EU institutions is necessary for this. CESI agrees and adds that this is not only true for the field of transport policy but for social dialogue in other sectors, too.
EU agency report on the exploitation of migrant workers shows CESIâs work on fair labour mobility is more important than ever
Today, the EU's Vienna-based Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) published a study report which shows just how widespread the exploitation of migrant workers is in the EU. Analysing the report reveals that CESI is setting right priorities with its work on the promotion of fair labour mobility in the EU.
CESI & EUROMIL on June European Council on security and defence challenges: Do not make the EUâs defence a victim of austerity!
On June 25-26, the European Council will convene to discuss the EU's future security and defence priorities - especially in relation to continuing terrorist threats and uncertain future political, economic and military relations with Russia. On this occasion, CESI's Trade Council 'Defence'* and EUROMIL** call on EU leaders to give impetus to new investments in military equipment and joint human resources - and not to shortsightedly trade the EU's security and defence against further budget cuts and austerity:
Social Platform and CESI on INTA TTIP vote: Thumbs up for public services protection, but ISDS compromise is far from ideal
Social Platform and CESI, the European Confederation of Independent Trade Unions, welcome yesterdayâs [28 May] vote in the European Parliament's International Trade (INTA) committee which recommends excluding public services from the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). However, they note with concern the compromise found for the controversial Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) mechanism.
CESI welcomes recent tax transparency developments as a first step towards effective fair tax systems
Reacting to today's successful adoption of an EU-Swiss agreement on the automatic exchange of financial account information, the progress made in the European Commission on its forthcoming Action plan for fairer tax systems as well as the recent news that Amazon will as of now pay taxes on profits made in Germany no longer in Luxembourg but in Germany, CESI notes that these developments are to be welcome but require further follow-up action if the overall objective to establish smoothly running fair taxation systems in Europe is to be realised.
CESIâs Trade Council âPost & Telecomsâ critical of sector liberalisation and working conditions for older workers
On May 22, CESI's Trade Council* 'Post & Telecoms' (P&T) convened in Königswinter (Germany). Critical position papers were adopted on '20 years after the privatisation of the postal market' and 'Adjusting the P&T sector labour market to demographic ageing'.
CESI deeply concerned by new German wage unity law
During its meeting in Königswinter (Germany), CESI's Post & Telecommunications Trade Council adopted a reaction on behalf of CESI regarding today's adoption by the German Bundestag of a new wage unity law (Tarifeinheitsgesetz).
âBetterâ regulation package: Autonomy for the social dialogue at risk
Earlier this week, the European Commission published its 'Better regulation package'. Reviewing the press and media coverage reveals the widespread concerns about the likely shift from political decision-making to 'expert' influence in European policy making as a result of this package. This criticism stretches from progressive MEPs to basically all social and environmental stakeholders. The only ones really happy are industry and business. While CESI agrees with many of the concerns that were raised in the debate on package, it deplores the lack of attention given to the autonomy for social dialogue that the package puts at risk.
European Semester Alliance: CSRs 2015 â The EU is further off-track to deliver an inclusive, sustainable, social and equal Europe
CESI explains its work on youth employment challenges to Romanian âPro Juvenesâ project delegation
Yesterday, CESI hosted a visit of a delegation of the Romanian ESF-funded project 'Pro Juvenes â Transnational Partnership for an Inclusive Labour Market for Youth'. During the meeting, which aimed to explore best practices in the field of youth employment initiatives, CESI General Secretariat staff explained its work on the challenges that young people face in Europe today.
Visit to the Belgian parliament: EU Trade Commissioner issues further signals to protect public services in TTIP
Yesterday, in a speech to the Belgian national parliament, EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström confirmed past statements of hers that signal a comprehensive protection of public services under TTIP. CESI welcomes such commitments, believing that the quality of public services in Europe must not experience a race to the bottom due to an unnecessary exposure to liberalisation and market forces.
European Semesterâs 2015 Country-specific recommendations released: Scrutiny forthcoming
Today, the European Commission issued the European Semester's 2015 country specific recommendations (CSRs). CESI, as part of its work in the European Semester Alliance, will now carefully check whether the Commission's advocacy of a "stronger" and more "streamlined" European Semester carries weight and can be welcomed.
CESI hosts visit to the EU for its member DBwV (German Armed Forces Association)
Last week, CESI together with the Karl-Theodor-Molinari Foundation hosted a two-day visit to the EU for the federal and regional executive boards of one of its members, the DBwV (German Armed Forces Association)*. With discussion rounds with experts at the CESI premises and meetings at the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers, the visit aimed to enhance the strategic capacity of the DBwV to represent its interests -in cooperation with CESI- to the EU.
IG Public services conference: CESI hopes for continued Commission support to protect public services in TiSA
During yesterday's inaugural conference of the European Parliament's Intergroup 'Common goods and public services', the European Commission tried to reassure that the protection of public services in Europe will be dealt with with utmost caution during TiSA negotiations. CESI welcomes this and hopes that previously made statements in this direction by the European Commission will not be reversed or watered down.
CESI@noon: Radicalisation must be prevented through improved social inclusion at all levels, experts say
Today, CESI hosted another edition of its lunchtime event series 'CESI@noon'. This time experts discussed with the audience about how public services in Europe may be enabled to better prevent and counter radicalisation among the citizenry - a topic that CESI's Trade Council 'Security' has worked on in depth in the recent past.* With more than 120 participants registered for the event, the relevance that not only CESI but also policy makers, the organised civil society and citizens attach to addressing the recent spread of radicalisation in European societies was more than obvious.
Eurofound report: Employee participation and social dialogue benefits workers and companies, if properly applied
Eurofound recently published a report on the 3rd European Company Survey. It shows that employee participation and social dialogue is not yet omnipresent even though it makes a positive difference for both employees and employers wherever it is properly applied. As a representative of numerous public sector trade unions, CESI looks forward to future Eurofound reports that will specifically focus on social dialogue and employee participation in the public services.
May 1 is International Workersâ Day!
On the occasion of the International Workers' Day on May 1, CESI recalls the widespread challenges that still need to be overcome if workers are to be adequately protected in the EU.
Annual CESI Defence Trade Council meeting: Need for more rights of military staff highlighted ahead of EU Defence Summit
At this yearâs meeting of CESI's Defence Trade Council, its expert committee on military topics, the importance of common rights for common missions was underscored - especially in the context of the upcoming EU Defence Summit.
World Day for Safety and Health at Work: CESI works hard for employee health and safety
April 28 is World Day for Safety and Health at Work - Time for CESI to raise (again) the importance of occupational health and safety.
Commission-published report: Mixed picture about the spread of social investments in European countries
Today, the European Commission published a report it had commissioned on 'Social investment in Europe 2015: A study of national policies'. It shows that social investment is not yet a clearly defined and adequately pursued policy concept across all European countries.
CESI and its Spanish member trade union CSI-F meet Andriukaitis cabinet
Today, representatives of CESI and its Spanish member CSI-F met with the Andriukaitis cabinet in order to discuss challenges in the financing of the Spanish civil servantsâ health mutuality.
Informal EPSCO Council: CESI reiterates need for a more inclusive social dialogue at the EU-level
During the informal EPSCO Council meeting in Riga this week, Commissioner Dombrovskis reiterated his commitment to a well-functioning social dialogue at the EU-level. CESI believes that a more inclusive approach to engagement with social partners is necessary to achieve this.
Ongoing refugee crisis in the Mediterranean: Change in direction of policies needed to alleviate humanitarian tragedies
CESI is saddened by the escalating refugee crisis in the Mediterranean and calls on European leaders to initiative a change in the direction of Europe's migration policy when they meet for a special EU migration summit in Brussels later this week.
CESI Youth takes part in youth employment summit in Quito
Earlier this month, CESI Youth representative MatthÀus Fandrejewski travelled to Quito, Ecuador, in order to take part in the CELAC*-EU Youth Days. The conference ended with the adoption of a declaration on youth empowerment that will be presented at the next EU-CELAC Summit of Heads of State and Government, to take place in Brussels in June this year.
Hearing in EP TAXE Committee: CESI expert speaks on the role of tax administrations in fighting tax avoidance
During yesterdayâs stakeholder hearing in the European Parliamentâs TAXE Committee on tax rulings and the role of tax administrations in fighting tax avoidance, CESI was represented by François Goris, President of its member organisation UNSP-NUOD. CESI represents several national tax administration trade unions in Brussels.
TTIP: CESI welcomes the EP Employment Committee opinion and calls on the International Trade Committee to take its suggestions on board
Earlier this month, the European Parliament's Employment (EMPL) Committee adopted its opinion in relation to the TTIP own-initiative report that is being drawn up in the International Trade (INTA) Committee. CESI broadly welcomes the EMPL Committee opinion and calls on the INTA Committee to take up its input during its upcoming committee vote.
Commission consultation of social partners: CESI stresses the need to include public administrations in the EU legislative framework on information and consultation of workers
Last week, the European Commission launched a consultation of the social partners to obtain their views about possible action regarding a strengthening of the existing EU legislation on the information and consultation of workers at national level.* As a recognised social partner, CESI will make use of this consultation in order to stress that the scope of the legislation should be extended to cover public administrationsâ staff, too.
Event announcement: CESI@noon on the role of public services in fighting radicalisation and terrorism on May 5
The next CESI@noon event will take place on May 5 and address the topic 'Radicalisation and terrorism: (new) challenges for public services?'.
New Commission statistics: Mixed picture about employment rate developments in public administrations across the EU
Published today, the European Commissionâs spring 2015 edition of the âEU Employment and Social Situation Quarterly Reviewâ shows that even though employment figures have recently increased on aggregate in the EU-28, many EU Member States have continued to experience net job losses in their public administrations.
March 2015 EU Youth Conference: CESI Youth calls on political leaders to actively seek a deeper dialogue with young workers
In the context of the March 2015 edition of the EU Youth Conference, CESI Youth representative and conference delegate MatthÀus Fandrejewski urged political leaders to be more proactive in seeking input for policies from the organised civil society representing young workers. Organised biannually by the Council Presidency, the European Commission and the European Youth Forum (EYF), the EU Youth Conference is an institutionalised forum for dialogue bringing together representatives from the European Commission, EU Member State ministries, national Youth Councils and a number of international non-governmental youth organisations (INGYOs).
CESIâs member organisation BEM-BÄ°R-SEN represents Turkish workers at Trade Councils
CESI's Turkish member organisation BEM-BÄ°R-SEN, represented by its Secretary General Levent Uslu, attended for the first time a meeting of the Trade Councils Justice and Security in Luxembourg (26+27 March 2015).
CESI Security Trade Council observes a minuteâs silence for shootings and plane crash, thanks security and rescue forces on the spot
Marked by the recent shootings in Paris and Denmark and the plane crash in the French Alps, this year's CESI Security Trade Council, gathering representatives of security forces such as policemen or customs officers, points out the vulnerability of these publicly exposed professional groups and thanks them for their work and engagement during crisis situations.
CESI member organisation ATCEUC mourns plane crash victims
In yesterdayÂŽs plane crash of a Germanwings flight in the French Alps, 150 passengers and staff members have tragically lost their lives. In a press release, CESIÂŽs member organisation, the ATCEUC, has expressed its deepest condolences.
European Council: The public sector and social investments must drive the EFSI and the European Semester!
On the occasion of todayâs discussions in the European Council, CESI regrets the lack of ambition and boldness expressed by the European leaders to acknowledge the role of social investments and public expenditure and the importance of the public administrations in the European Semester and the forthcoming European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI).
CESI gears up for upcoming Luxembourgish Council Presidency
In the run-up to the Luxembourgish Council Presidency in the second half of 2015, CESIâs President Romain Wolff and General-Secretary Klaus Heeger yesterday met for an exchange of views with the Luxembourgish Prime Minister Xavier Bettel in order to speak about several topics related to worker rights and social dialogue in the EU â matters close to CESIâs heart.
Europeâs economic crisis: EUROFOUND reviews impacts of public sector restructuring
On March 10, the EU agency EUROFOUND (European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions) published a review entitled âRestructuring in the public sectorâ. It shows the extent to which public sector workers in Europe were hit by the recent economic crisis.
Joint FEMM-SOC meeting assesses the work of the new Commission
The joint meeting of the CESI Womenâs Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) and Employment and Social Affairs (SOC) Committees took place today in Brussels at CESIâs premises. The participants assessed the work new European Commission and the European Parliament in gender equality and social dialogue matters and deplored the lack of ambition.
International Womenâs Day â âClosing the Gender Pay Gap, stop violence against womenâ
"Make it happen", is the United Nations' motto for this year's International Women's Day. This day has been celebrated for over 100 years now and since 1977 the United Nations have been calling on people to mark the day with events across the globe on 8 March. This year is no different - worldwide, many thousands of people are standing up for equal rights and opportunities for women in various initiatives and rallies.
CESI determined and ready to contribute actively to a new and more effective social dialogue
Following the High-level Summit on Social Dialogue which took place on 5 March 2015 in Brussels, CESI reiterated its full commitment to work towards a stronger and more sustainable social dialogue at all levels.
CESI Presidium expresses gratitude to security forces throughout Europe
In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in France and Denmark, the members of the CESI Presidium expressed their gratitude and profound respect to all public institutions called upon to maintain safety and public order.
Safeguard clause for public services to be included in TiSA
In the context of the current negotiation of the controversial Trade in Service Agreement (TiSA), CESI hosted a high ranking roundtable debate on TiSAÂŽs implications and possible impact on public services.
CESIÂŽs programme commission sets priorities for the work of the Trade Councils and Commissions in 2015
In this yearâs programme commission, the presidents and vice-presidents of the different CESI trade councils and commissions met in order to draw a balance of their work and to discuss their priorities for 2015. The focus lies on the European Social Dialogue and on the European Commission's work programme