EI and PSI agree to work together for public services
Education International and Public Services International have launched an agreement that will see the two global union federations working closely together to tackle key issues in education and in the provision of public services generally.
In signing a cooperation agreement this morning, Education International (EI) and Public Services International (PSI) look to combine their resources to help strengthen both federations and their affiliates.
“Today’s agreement is an important benchmark in the close working relationship between the federations. It will help both EI and PSI to better carry out more effectively the important work of promoting and defending public services and the unions which represent those providing them,” said EI General Secretary Fred van Leeuwen.
Together, EI and PSI represent roughly 50 million workers, of whom 60 percent are women.
With more than 30 million members and 401 affiliates in 171 countries, EI is the largest union of educators in the world. While PSI, located in 154 countries and territories, has members working in various social service areas, including education where the union represents education support personnel.
The agreement paves the way for the two organisations to combine common interests and efforts, through collaboration on numerous projects and campaigns, helping both unions achieve their goals.
The closer working relationship will allow EI and PSI to cover more issues and areas around the world through shared resources. The agreement makes it clear that both organisations will “refrain from any efforts to recruit member organisations” already affiliated with the other federation.
The agreement reinforces the role of the two international organisations, stating that EI recognises that PSI is responsible for staff in the civil and public service or in the public domain where they are part of contracted or sub-contracted public services., while PSI, in turn, recognises that EI is responsible for staff in the education domain, whether in public education or private education. It also acknowledges that both PSI and EI have affiliates that organise education support workers.
