1st of May is a day to remind us that solidarity is what makes the European Union great. And our work as an EU public service serves Europe.
This year marks 140 years of workers’ efforts that have shaped our current working conditions, such as fairer pay, shorter hours, stronger rights, and better work-life balance. These achievements did not come by chance; they were won through collective action and dedication to the public good.
As trade unions and EU public service staff, we continue this tradition. Every day, we serve Europe’s citizens, protect democracy, uphold the rule of law, and help create policies that support social cohesion, sustainability, and inclusion. Our work is vital to the European Union’s success.
Today, the EU Civil Service faces new challenges. Staff shortages, heavier workloads, lower wages, and changes made without enough social dialogue all put pressure on us. These issues affect not just our well-being, but also the quality, independence, and trust in European public administration.
Across Europe, public service workers are coming together to call for fair pay, secure pensions, real respect for collective bargaining and social dialogue, safe and reasonable working conditions, and proper investment in public services for today and the future.
Defending the EU Civil Service means standing up for high-quality public services, independent institutions, professional expertise, equal treatment, fairness at work, and keeping the public interest at the center of European policymaking.
On 1 May, EU public service staff stand united in solidarity with all workers. We reaffirm our involvement. Public services are a public good. The EU Civil Service must be protected, valued, and strengthened. Our Work Serves Europe, and it is not for sale.
