Today, June 23rd, is the United Nations Public Service Day. On this occasion CESI pays tribute to all the workers in the public services, who provide citizens with inclusive and qualitative access to essential services.

As the pandemic revealed, the role of public services in delivering core services for well-functioning societies is essential. Despite the challenging working conditions during the pandemic, the increased pressures on service delivery and the occupational dangers faced, the public sector showed time and time again commitment, resilience, flexibility and solidarity with the people they serve.

After years of austerity policies, severe deteriorations of the working conditions during the pandemic,  and now an exploding inflation, public service workers face pay stagnation, staff shortages, longer working time and an overall worsening of their working conditions.

It is now high time that their efforts are valued according to their commitment and hard work. Policymakers should ensure necessary investments in public services to ensure their full and adequate functioning.

We ask EU member states to raise to the occasion and to invest in public services and their workforce, so to build reliable and resilient public services – an imperative for cohesive and sustainable societies.

On #PublicServiceDay, CESI´s representatives share their messages of appreciation and support via Twitter @CESIpress.