As a trade union, the European Parliament elections hold immense significance for us. At the heart of our mission lies the welfare and rights of public service workers across Europe, totalling 8 million individuals whose voices deserve to be heard. These elections offer a crucial opportunity for us to amplify our collective voice, advocating for change and pressing for social policies that prioritize the well-being of all citizens, while placing people and the planet above profit margins. Here is the message from EPSU’s General Secretary, that we would like to share with you :
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Brussels, 17 April 2024
Subject: EPSU’s Manifesto for the European Parliament Elections 2024
Dear colleagues,
The 2024 European Parliament elections are around the corner. This is an important moment for us to mobilise and make the voices of 8 million public service workers heard. The elections present an opportunity for us to demand change, push for social policies that everyone can benefit from, and ensure that the next European Parliament puts people and planet before profit.
EPSU has published a manifesto outlining seven key demands for a Europe based on democratic values and solidarity. These demands are essential in the face of looming austerity. Policymakers must make it a priority to deliver quality public services for all.
What EPSU has done:
- Published the manifesto in multiple languages (English, French, German, Spanish, Swedish, and Russian). Please let us know if other languages are needed.
- Prepared and published a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the manifesto’s key demands (Access the manifesto and presentation here).
- Organised several meetings with European political parties and groups to present the manifesto.
What you can do:
- Publish the manifesto on your website and social media platforms.
- Engage with political parties in your country, MEPs, MEP candidates and other politicians, tagging them on social media in discussions regarding the key demands.
- Reach out to journalists in your country to get media coverage.
- Invite an EPSU speaker to your events.
The manifesto represents more than just a list of demands; it highlights the urgent need for a stronger commitment from the European Parliament to quality public services – for all.
Many opinion polls predict a rise in the vote for extreme conservatives and the far-right. Workers and our communities have little hope for these parties to improve working conditions or workers’ rights. To help you understand their stance, we share an analysis of current far-right and extreme conservative MEPs’ votes on key issues in the European Parliament in the last term. These MEPs opposed all measures that would improve things for workers. We hope you can use this in your campaigns.
Together, we can make a difference. Let’s voice our demands for a Europe based on democratic values and solidarity!
In solidarity,
Jan Willem Goudriaan
EPSU General Secretary
