Workers’ Group declaration on United Nations Public Service Day - 23 June 2020

Public service day - police, doctor, teacher, civil servant, firemen

Clapping was good, but now we need a recovery plan that strengthens our public services and its workforce

Public sector workers are usually unsung and invisible heroes. When everything goes well, we generally take them and the work they do for granted despite its impact on almost every aspect of our lives. However, when things go wrong, we notice: they are often in the firing line for our complaints – many are even the victims of violence and harassment just for trying to do their jobs.

The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us of how valuable the work of these often overlooked, undervalued and underpaid workers really is.  In Europe and across the world, people cheered and clapped for health and other essential service workers in recognition of their huge contribution and sacrifice to society. They kept going while the rest of us went into lockdown, putting themselves and their families at risk.

As we slowly adjust to the new COVID-19 ‘normal’, we must not forget our newly rediscovered appreciation for our public services and their tireless workforce. Even when the pandemic is behind us, they will continue to provide the services that we all depend on, from the cradle to the grave. Now is the time to show our gratitude by insisting that the EU and the Member States follow through with real action to strengthen our public services - weakened by years of austerity and underinvestment - and to improve the pay and working conditions of the dedicated workers who deliver them.

Let us give them the proper recognition they deserve by ensuring that the EU recovery plan also delivers for them and for us. Quality, affordable public services that are accessible for all contribute to better social cohesion, less inequality and improve the well-being of all.

On United Nations Public Service Day, the Workers’ Group joins with public services unions across Europe and globally, to celebrate the contribution of public service workers everywhere and to demand:

  • Higher pay and better working conditions for public service workers
  • Investment in public services and public infrastructure
  • A just transition to a green and sustainable future
  • Tax justice

Work organisation