Today, we joined trade union leaders, public sector workers and civil society voices from across the world in Madrid for Day one of the Public Services Fightback Conference. We have seen firsthand that when we fail to protect healthcare workers, we weaken the health systems that our communities depend on. Today’s discussions brought us back to a fundamental truth: we cannot defend public services without defending the workers who deliver them. Austerity, wage restraint, rising debt pressures and the weakening of public institutions are not abstract issues. They have real consequences for doctors, nurses, teachers, public servants and, ultimately, the people they serve. We also reflected on the importance of protecting the right to organise and take collective action. Workers must have the freedom and collective power to demand dignity, fair working conditions and quality public services. For me, the message from is clear: we must organise, build solidarity and expand our alliances beyond the workplace. When workers, communities, young people and civil society stand together, we strengthen our ability to defend public institutions and demand economic justice. Strong workers. Strong public services. Strong communities. The struggle continues.