International union backs fight against New South Wales power sell-off

Today is World Public Services Day and the International Public Sector union, PSI, has announced its support for New South Wales unions fighting the Iemma Government’s plans to sell the public power generators.

The Asia-Pacific Chair of Public Services International (PSI), David Carey, told Unions NSW and the PSA of New South Wales that the International Union supported the unions fighting the privatisation of power in Australia.

Mr Carey said, "All round the world today public sector workers are declaring their support for a strong public sector which delivers quality public services."

The United Nations declared the 23rd of June as the day to stand up for public services all round the world.

Mr Carey said "The sale of New South Wales power is likely to be another in a long series of privatisation failures."

"Whether it is the sell-off of school cleaning and maintenance in Queensland, the Cross City Tunnel in Sydney, or the Victorian power and railways, privatisation has lead to job losses, poorer services, higher prices and all too often, a government bailout at taxpayers expense.

"After 20 years of pro-privatisation policies, the world is neither a better nor a fairer place. The gap between rich and poor has widened and 54 countries are poorer than they were in 1990. There are many examples of privatisation failing, particularly in water and energy services".

Mr Carey said, "You can look at the UK or you can look at Indonesia. You can look at Africa or the USA. The International union was right every time. Power privatisation has led to the same thing - higher costs, poorer services.

The New South Wales government should learn those lessons. Invest in public services, don't sell them quick cash".

PSI is a global union federation made up of more than 650 trade unions. It represents more than 20 million workers who deliver public services in 160 countries around the world.

David Carey is also the National Secretary of the State Public Sector Federation, the 120,000- member union representing public servants employed by State governments throughout Australia.