Good morning comrades, sisters and brothers ... - PSI Congress

Welcome to the PSI World Congress, Durban, South AfricaSpeech by Dave Prentis, President, Public Services International – Tuesday 27 November, 2012Good morning comrades, sisters and brothers, honoured guests!Welcome to the 29 th World Congress of our global union federation PublicServices International!I am honoured to be here with you, in this great municipality of eThekwini –Durban, in the free country of South Africa.We meet in this congress at both a momentous time and in a significant place.We can draw inspiration from great leaders and powerful movements beforeus who launched brave steps for lasting social change, from this very place.People who defined their values, and followed plans with effective action, aswe would like to do through this congress...The first president of the African National Congress, John Dube, was born here.He opened the local Ohlange Institute where, in 1994, Nelson Mandela cameto cast his vote in South Africa’s first democratic all-race elections.Mahatma Gandhi lived in the Durban township of Inanda for over 20 years,early in the twentieth century.Like these great leaders, we are firm in our commitment to fight for socialjustice and equality.Our Congress meets at a critical time for public service workers right aroundthe world.As we meet those workers face the prospect of losing their jobs while theservices they provide are destroyed.Not because the services are no longer needed.Not because the services are not achieving their objectives.1

Welcome to the PSI World Congress, Durban, South AfricaSpeech by Dave Prentis, President, Public Services International – Tuesday 27 November, 2012They are losing their jobs – in Britain, across Europe, in Africa, Asia and theAmericas because of the thirst for profit, the greed of bankers and the failureof governments.The fight to defend those jobs and services is one we cannot afford to lose. Aswe see clearly everyday those services are a vital component of a decentexistence for people everywhere.Whether it’s when they are being treated in hospital, they borrow a book froma library or they have their refuse collected it is our members, across theworld, who make life better for ordinary people.And to win the fight we know that we have to build our unions, strengthen ouralliances and develop our partnerships with sister unions around the globe.As governments and business organise on an international basis so must we.To confront global economic forces we as unions have to work together, tobuild links with like minded community groups and progressive NGOs in orderto ensure that those vital services that we provide do not become the victim ofshort sighted, mean minded, weak governments.And while workers in some countries may be under attack through the courtsand from regressive legislation, we know that in others becoming a member ofa trade union could be the most dangerous thing you do, and could end upcosting you your life.So we salute those brave trade unionists who have been intimidated andthreatened, who have been forced to leave their homes, who have lost friendsand families and some even who have laid down their lives to defend andprotect their fellow workers.In Colombia where they face the most hostile neoliberal regime.2

Welcome to the PSI World Congress, Durban, South AfricaSpeech by Dave Prentis, President, Public Services International – Tuesday 27 November, 2012Sisters and brothers, we must put all this effort to bring us together this weekto good use.We must be able to go back to our countries and justify to our members why itis important to come here and work together. We have to be able todemonstrate that working together through PSI makes us all stronger.UNISON is committed to PSI because the strength of the labour movement andour ability to deliver quality public services at home depends on the strengthof all of us here.By better understanding the challenges other unions are facing, we can learnhow to stand up to our challenges at home.In my own union, UNISON, we saw how other unions organised their membersinstead of simply providing services.Now we have, to great effect, shifted our priorities, restructured our regionsand employed many more organisers on the ground.There are also many examples of where we are fighting the same battles toprotect public services against international policies, such as trade agreements,and structural adjustment.These attacks on public services do not respect national boundaries, andneither should we.And there are the examples, far too many examples, where struggles for oneunion in one country can be transformed by international solidarity.I think particularly of our Colombian, Swazi, Filipino and Palestinian comrades.In all of these cases, and for many more, PSI can make a difference.5

Welcome to the PSI World Congress, Durban, South AfricaSpeech by Dave Prentis, President, Public Services International – Tuesday 27 November, 2012We need an international trade union voice speaking up for public services andthe people who deliver them.PSI’s ability to be the accountable, engaging, dynamic and democraticorganisation that we need depends on our ability to create it.Of course, much of this work takes place on a day to day basis, but every fiveyears at our congress, we have an opportunity to find out more about ourunions, strengthen our alliances face to face, discuss our ideas and plan ourcampaigns together.Not all of this will be easy and we will not be doing our job if there are notsome disagreements. But we owe it to our members to achieve something thisweek.We are united by shared values.We believe in equality, regardless of colour, faith or gender.We care for our neighbours, regardless of whether they are rich or poor.We work to advance the common good, the well-being of entire communitiesand nations – not to swell the profits of corporations and individuals who careonly about themselves.We work together to secure trade union rights, fair wages and decent workingconditions for our members.The quality public services we provide are the foundation of modern, inclusiveand democratic societies.Quality public services breakdown inequalityQuality public services are the foundation for every citizen to realize his or herdreams.6

Welcome to the PSI World Congress, Durban, South AfricaSpeech by Dave Prentis, President, Public Services International – Tuesday 27 November, 2012The commitment of our members in delivering public services is a testament toour shared humanity and the respect we have for each other.During this congress, we will be discussing specific plans to defend and activelypromote quality public services.We will find new ways to build progressive coalitions, and to become fasterand more effective at responding to challenges.We must speak deep truths out loud, and back them with action:Public services such as healthcare and education are essential to democracy...Without them, there can be no freedom.We will advance strategies to meet the privateers and wreckers head on.Strategies to move beyond and to build stronger, more equal and moredemocratic communities and nations.They may have money and power.We have something much stronger.We have determination.We have a vision for a better world.Most importantly, we have each other.We are many.Acting in solidarity, working in the people’s interest, we will win.AMANDLA!7