Public services are a normal part of civilized human life. They are organized to meet political, social and economic needs. They are a central function of the state and a central issue in political debates.

Public service unions like the AFT Public Employees frequently play an active role in the political process concerning public services – seeking to improve their members’ working conditions by influencing their employers and seeking to improve public services by giving voice to their members’ knowledge and experience. Public services are becoming an increasingly important part of the world economy. They need to expand to deal with new challenges – and international institutions and activity will play an increasingly important role.

The AFT is affiliated with Public Services International (PSI), a global federation of unions representing 20 million workers involved in the delivery of public services in 150 countries around the world. PSI is an active participant in debates and campaigns about building quality public services; tackling the need for a social agenda in globalization; defending and promoting workers rights; trade union capacity building and promoting equity and diversity. Tel: 202/824-0880; Fax: 202/824-0881; Web address: www.world-psi.org/.