At the beginning of December, a meeting of the Women’s Committee of Public Services International (PSI) took place in Geneva, at the headquarters of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

During the meeting, participants examined pressing global challenges that have a direct impact on public sector workers, particularly in the health care sector.

Discussions emphasized the need to strengthen the international system that protects human rights, public services, and workers’ right to decent working conditions.

Special attention was given to the acute shortage of nurses across Europe. It was stressed that this problem is driven by poor working and living conditions, excessive workloads, inadequate pay, constant psychological pressure, and incidents of violence in the workplace.

The meeting featured presentations from various countries around the world, highlighting real trade union experiences and good practices aimed at defending the rights of public sector workers.

The main conclusions of the PSI Women’s Committee reveal that global challenges are having a negative impact on public sector workers, while international solidarity and social dialogue remain among the most powerful tools in the struggle for a fairer world and decent work for all.

The Committee also agreed that in the coming years it is essential to more actively involve women in decision-making processes at all levels.

Written by Irena Petraitienė, President of the Trade Union of Lithuanian Civil Servants and Employees of Budgetary and Public Institutions, Member of the PSI Women’s Committee