Public Services International (PSI) brings together public service unions from around the world to defend workers’ rights, strengthen quality public services and ensure public service workers have a voice in global and regional decisions.
In Oceania, that work is focused on the issues that matter to PSA members and our fellow unions.
CLIMATE JUSTICE AND QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES
Climate change is already affecting workers and communities across the Pacific. The work that PSI does in Oceania makes sure the voices of public service workers are heard in climate discussions, including through the PSI Global Programme of Action and support for a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty.
Workers must be at the table when climate policies are designed and implemented.
LABOUR MIGRATION
Labour migration is a growing issue for Pacific unions.
An example where PSI is focusing on labour migration is the organisation’s work on the Addressing the health workforce crisis in the Pacific report, which will help unions make the case that labour mobility must not come at the expense of already stretched public health systems. Decent work, safe staffing and sustainable health services need to be built into migration arrangements.
INSOURCING AND RESISTING PRIVATISATION
Another major focus is the fight against privatisation and the push to bring services back into public hands. PSI is developing an insourcing campaign training tool and connecting affiliates with global insourcing campaigns and research. This work supports unions to show that public services are best delivered for people and communities, not profit.
Across the region, PSI is also tracking the impact of development assistance, international financial institutions and multilateral agencies on public services. The aim is to challenge policies that weaken government capacity and to promote direct public provision, decent jobs and accountable services.
INDIGENOUS WORKERS’ VOICES AND LEADERSHIP
PSI Oceania is an important proponent in strengthening the voice and leadership of Indigenous workers across the global union movement. This includes recognition and representation in the PSI Global Programme of Action, and support for First Nations structures and solidarity across public sector unions. PSA representatives are leading this effort based on our own commitment to te Tiriti o Waitangi.
The principle guiding this work is simple and powerful: “Nothing about us without us.”
BUILDING UNION POWER IN THE PACIFIC
Capacity building and organising are at the centre of PSI’s Oceania programme.
This is demonstrated in the Building of Union Power for Quality Public Services in Pacific Island Countries project, which supports public sector unions to organise, bargain and advocate more effectively. A Pacific-style organising module will help affiliates build practical skills in ways that reflect the realities of Pacific union work.
This was supported with the PSA providing an educational trainer, Frank Jackson, to assist in delivering this model.
Whether the issue is digitisation, artificial intelligence, trade, tax justice or the future of public services, PSI provides a way for unions to work together and learn from each other.
USING EVIDENCE AND STORIES TO SUPPORT CAMPAIGNING
For PSA members, PSI’s Oceania activity is a reminder that the struggle for strong public services is regional and global. Public service workers face common pressures, including underfunding, privatisation, climate change, labour shortages and attacks on workers’ rights.
PSA members are part of that international movement. By supporting PSI activity in Oceania, we strengthen solidarity with public service workers across Oceania and help build the quality public services our communities need.
