News

On 3 June, 2014 the UNI Europa Property Services conference took place in Liverpool, England. Over eighty delegates met against the backdrop of the Albert Dock in the former “capital of culture”, rich with trade union history.

The conference, which is organised very four years, brought together affiliates from all over Europe and also hosted some international unions from Latin America, USA and Africa. Opened by Jude Brimble, GMB (U.K.) and chaired by the outgoing President of UNI Europa Property Services, Hans Ohlund, Fastighets (Sweden), the meeting was deemed fruitful and enriching. Oliver Roethig, Regional Secretary of UNI Europa welcomed the participants and in particular focussed on the need to respond to attacks on collective bargaining, the recent European elections and the strategic need to work together to ensure the full potential of the European trade union movement is used to fight the neo-liberal policies which flourish across the region.

The conference speakers explored various issues ranging from an update on UNI Europa activities to diverse collective bargaining models, organising initiatives, migrant labour and responding strategically to the crisis and austerity measures. The Action Plan 2014-2016 was discussed and approved. In particular, the work in the sector includes focus on Health and Safety, European Social Dialogue, European works councils, trade union alliances and EU lobbying in the interests of cleaners and security workers. The conference also adopted a solidarity statement in support of workers worldwide calling attention to the need to coordinate our actions. In a jovial moment, the delegates enthusiastically expressed their support for International Justice Day for Cleaners and Security Workers, which will take place on 16th June, and posed for a photograph wearing a pink glove instead of the traditional yellow one.

Election of new steering group

After many years of service, Hans Ohlund has stepped down from his role as President of the sector. He was thanked for his dedication by Alice Dale, Head of the Property Services Department (in picture above).

The new steering group was elected by the conference and is presided by Ms Janna Ylitalo, PAM (Finland). This decision-making body composed of eleven members, coming from affiliate unions across Europe, will work with Anna Harvey, Policy Officer for UNI Europa Property Services to oversee the implementation of the bi-annual action plan.