June 23 has been declared the United Nations’ International Public Service Day. On this day, we honor public service sector workers for their contribution to the well-being of society. However, respect should not be limited to just one day – it must be translated into concrete decisions to strengthen the public sector and create quality jobs.
The pandemic and the war have highlighted the vital role of our members and workers in other essential sectors – their collective efforts sustain the vitality of society. Thanks to them, people have access to electricity, gas, water, social and public services, justice, healthcare, and care – fundamental human rights are ensured, sustainable development goals are advanced, and at the European Union (EU) level, the principles of the European Social Charter are upheld.
Decades of austerity, deregulation, and privatization have left these systems underfunded, understaffed, and ill-prepared for today’s crises.
European public service trade unions call for the rejection of failed economic models and a commitment to investing in public services and their workers, ensuring a fair tax system and quality employment in the public sector.
We urge European institutions to:
End austerity policies;
Increase investment in public services and the workers who deliver them;
Halt the privatization and commercialization of public services;
Promote tax justice to fund the green and digital transitions;
Guarantee sufficient public investment and financing, instead of leaving vital areas to market forces or the private sector;
Protect the rights of public service workers, including collective bargaining and fair wages;
Ensure that public services are based on the principles of democracy, inclusion, and well-being.
Decision-makers must strive for a public service agenda grounded in the values of solidarity, equality, and the public interest, aligned with the goals of the EU’s Pillar of Social Rights – particularly the right to quality and accessible public services.