1 Presentation: FERPA - 28 October 2008 EPSU Quality health and social services Prevention of abuse and violence against dependents

2 European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) EPSU represents 8 million workers Member of the ETUC Cooperation with PSI-Global Federation 210+ trade unions All EU-EEA (candidate) member states Local/regional government, central government, health and social services, utilities (electricity and gas, water, waste) Public, private and non-profit

3 EPSU AIMS EPSU Promotes equal rights and opportunities Promotes solidarity and understanding Promotes common interests in European economic and social policies Strengthen industrial relations systems in EU Deal with all aspects concerning those employed in our sectors

4 Public sector issues in the EU Internal Market/competition principles vs. subsidiarity; services directive European Social Model (Gender) Equality Collective Bargaining & Working Conditions Trade union rights (Laval, Viking… EPSU project on TU rights) Health & Safety

5 EPSU Campaign: Quality public services- quality of Life How the EU should provide the Member States with a proper framework to guarantee high quality and universal provision of public services Based on public services principles such as accessibility, availability, continuity, democratic control, solidarity and affordability ETUC petition Joint declaration signed by 10 Mayors of capital cities 2009 Elections to the European Parliament

6 Violence against older and elderly people Still a controversial topic, also among care workers Not much data and statistics available Lacks in many countries clear legal and policy framework Different definitions used Often not intentional, but caused by carers who are overburdened, overstressed and/or insufficiently informed/trained Environment factors need to be taken in account- institutional settings- care systems

7 Situations in which health and social workers encounter violence As victims (violence perpetrated by colleagues, by patients/users, by relatives) As observers As perpetrators

8 Types of violence Disrespect, patronizing behaviour Neglect-Insufficient care Poor living conditions Abuse of dependent’s property Physical/psychological/sexual abuse

9 Perpetrators of violence Family members (spouses/partners, children, other relatives) Friends and Neighbours Professional criminals Volunteers Professionals (care-assistants, nurses, doctors) Institutions (policy makers, politicians, managers)

10 Risk Factors Insufficient care infrastructures Lack of supervision and support for carers and care- workers Recruitment of staff – better definition of competences Lack of recognition for care work (by family carers, volunteers and professionals) Lack of training, knowledge and experience – specific training required for elderly patients: e.g. Alzheimer patients Heavy Workloads – many patients to care for Working conditions for care workers

11 What needs to developed Information and awareness raising – possibilities for public and professionals to report abuse More research concerning the prevalence and causes of abuse Affirmation of Public responsibilities Adequate funding and investment in care systems and infrastructures High quality standards – increasing the availability of care – inspection and monitoring of application Patient-users involvement – developing patients’ rights Support infrastructures for victims of abuse

12 EPSU Focus Defining public responsibilities in relation to elderly/dependents’ care Quality and general interest Principles Lobby with EU-institutions for Developing Quality framework for care Training and skills needs – recruitment of staff Recognition of care workers Prevention of low-wage and precarious workers in sector Combat gender stereotyping Better reconciliation of work, private and family life (informal carers also have private needs).