Public Services International Research Unit

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FOCUS To understand the different relationships between share ownership and control To develop a position on employee share ownership TASKS: You are the trade union representatives in a large utility. The government or municipality has decided to privatise the utility to bring in private sector capital and expertise. It is proposing to create a partnership by selling shares as follows: 30% for financial investors; 30% to a multinational; 30% remains owned by government. It is asking the trade unions: would you like the remaining 10% to be reserved for employees? You have to formulate your reply to the government. You also have to explain your position to your members, and advise them whether to invest their savings. You should discuss whether the shares would: Provide a way of exercising control over the company Increase the role of the trade unions Give employees a share of the profits RESOURCES: Types of public enterprise Competitive public enterprise Management of joint venture water companies TIME 2 hours