This will be Sillanpää’s second term after being elected to the role for the first time in 2021.
EPSU is the European Federation of Public Service Unions representing more than eight million employees.
The Committee on Social Services and Health, led by Sillanpää, outlines the European social welfare policy by lobbying the European Commission and Parliament.
– We influence decision-making on health and social services in Europe and lead discussions with EU decision-makers. Cooperation and the exchange of experiences with other European employee associations is also a crucial part of the work of the Committee, Sillanpää emphasises.
Topical issues discussed by the Committee include staff shortage, which affects Europe as a whole.
– A well-functioning healthcare system is a key element of security of supply. It is essential that we have sufficient trained and competent staff. At the same time, it is important to find a solution to staff shortage without lowering the skill requirements of professionals, Sillanpää outlined in her election speech.
Sillanpää also serves as the President of the Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee together with the European Hospital and Healthcare Employers’ Association Hopspeem. Dialogue refers to negotiations between employers and employees at the European level. The activities are based on EU basic treaties.