Two powerful voices for public services are speaking up for universal access to health, education, water and sanitation services in developing countries.
CUPE is joining Oxfam Canada in its campaign for universal access to public services in developing countries. The heart of this fight is the knowledge that public services are key to ending global poverty and building strong communities.
In September 2006, Oxfam International and Water Aid released “In the public interest”, an in-depth report arguing that to make poverty history, all citizens must have free and open access to health care, education, water and sanitation.
Strong public services break down barriers and open doors, allowing citizens to participate in society and exercise their rights. CUPE and Oxfam will call on governments and international institutions to live up to their commitments to meet the targets of the Millennium Development Goals.
CUPE brings its reputation as a fierce privatization fighter and the skills its members have honed in on-the-ground campaigns to this important joint work, making the case for all new services to be public – not private.
“CUPE members fighting to strengthen and defend public services at home also connect the dots around the globe. This new project gives us some very real targets and tactics to help end poverty and injustice,” says CUPE National President Paul Moist.
In the coming weeks, CUPE and Oxfam will develop a more detailed campaign plan. Stay tuned to cupe.ca for more information and ways you, your local and your division can all get involved.
