CSD-13/IPM
Friday, March 04, 2005
TRADE UNIONS MAJOR GROUP
ICFTU
PSI
UNISON
CLOSING STATEMENT
3/4/2005
During the planning for CSD13, the trade unions made a number of suggestions that we
can implement, especially at local and national levels.
However, I confess that I don't see many of the trade union suggestions for policy
options and possible actions reflected in the chair's summary, so I will point to some
areas for improvement, where we in fact made suggestions.
Specifically, in paras 12 and 16 on reforming public utilities, where the unions made
specific recommendations and 17 on decentralisation and capacity building.
Paras 18 and 119 on training, ignores the role of unions in training.
Para 29 on knowledge transfer is similarly short-sighted.
And so on.
The one reference to workers organisations in para 72 is far too limited.
Chair, although your team has worked hard to prepare this text, we still need to see our
ideas reflected. We are frankly frustrated.
We also see that public utilities in developing countries are heavily maligned as
inadequately funded, poorly managed and inefficient. There are still not enough concrete
ideas on reforming and improving them. This possibly reflects the fact that utility
managers aren't here, and we encourage national governments to include these public
managers in their delegations at CSD13.
Trade Unions are also concerned about the continued emphasis on market solutions for
essential public services.
Chair, trade unions can be a serious partner for meeting the MDGs. But we need the other
parties to assume their appropriate roles, especially in the design of policy and financial
mechanisms to integrate workers and unions in strengthening the social pillar. I frankly
don't think we can hope to meet the MDGs without involving workers and trade unions.
I hope CSD13 will recognise this fact and act on the potential offered by unions.
