Public Services Fightback 

SC-26 heard from unions in the USA about how they are fighting back against the Trump administrations attempts to destroy public services: 

• AFT set out plans to train thousands of members on mass mobilization; non-violent direct-action tactics and first aid provision in protest situations 

• SEIU outlined their work to pressure institutions to stand with workers and push back against authoritarian actions of the government. 

• AFSCME outlined its strategy to organize workers around the economic issues that have angered and unified working people, but that Trump is now failing to address.  

SC-26 agreed a public service fightback is now essential and committed to coordinating solidarity support to all unions under attack. SC noted that globally public service unions are coming under increasing attack as we are one of the few remaining forces powerful enough to stop right wing extremists from using the state to implement undemocratic and authoritarian measures.  

Recent Successes 

SC noted the launch of PSIs Nurses Network and heard about PSIs success including workers’ protections in the WHOs Pandemic Treaty including mental health protections, addressing harassment and violence against health workers, priority access to health technologies and reference to WHO migration code 

A breakthrough has occurred in Local and Regional Government with an agreement to start discussions for a global framework agreement for social dialogue with the United Cities and Local Government (UCLG). 

PSI’s organizing program continues to expand, with programs in Tanzania, Ghana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe and the recent success launching Pakistan’s first National Federation for Community Health Workers and the organizing of private hospitals across the Philippines. Support from SEIU, FORSA, FNV and UNISON has been critical to these successes and SC called on unions to support PSIs Organising program. 

PSIs LGBTQ+ Global Coordinating Committee was established last month and SC noted the formal rules and PSIs comprehensive staff training on LGBTQ+ issues. 

In countries such as Australia, Spain and South Korea, PSI affiliates successfully shaped national elections, resisting the global rise of the right and securing policy promises that will improve public services and people’s lives.  

A Fighting PSI 

SC heard updates on the implementation of the Plan for a Sustainable PSI, adopted by EB-166, including 2024 audited accounts being more than 100,000 Euros under budget and measures to increase transparency and involvement of affiliates. 

Affiliates continue to express confidence in PSI and its reform agenda with more than half a million new affiliated members declared across dozens of unions since 2023, surpassing PSI growth targets. 

The General Secretary announced the creation of the Social and Economic Policy Team headed by Veronica Montufar and that the re-organization of PSI finance and IT functions are almost complete. Preparation for APRECON (8-11 September) and AFRECON (11-14 November) is underway.  

SC noted PSI's work against targeting of healthcare workers in conflict zones, including Ukraine and Gaza. It held a minute's silence for public service workers killed in conflict and war, including 225 members of PSI's affiliate, the General Union of Health Services Workers in Gaza, its union leaders Samira Moussa and Walid El Korm and seven members of the union's ambulance workers coordinating committee.  

SC passed a resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, protections for public service workers, an end to Israels aid blockade, ending the forced displacement of the Palestinian population and the release of all hostages.  

The Committee paid tribute to Oscar Rodriguez, Sub-Regional Secretary for Central America who passed away in January.