Description
Industry associations in Latvia do not possess sufficient information neither about their possibilities to engage in bilateral and tripartite sectoral social dialogue in support of their interests, nor about the benefits of decent work and how it can improve people's socio-economic situation. The Employers' Confederation of Latvia implements this project, whose purpose is to strengthen the bilateral sectoral social dialogue between industry associations and sectoral trade unions. The target group is industry associations and their members. The outputs of the project are evaluation reports and guidelines on sectoral social dialogue, training people from associations, exchange experiences, and organising events, seminars, and a conference to promote understanding and awareness of the importance of sectoral social dialogue. Production of training materials will also be an important part of the activities.
Summary of project results
In Latvia sectoral social dialogue is rather low developed, and discussions on decent work conditions have not been broadly discussed. Therefore the project aim was: - To strengthen the bilateral sectorial social dialogue between industry associations and sectorial trade unions; - To strengthen the tripartite sectorial dialogue – industry association participation in National Tripartite Cooperation Council and in its sub-boards; - To enhance understanding and ensuring of decent work. The main activities performed during the project implementation were related to: - 9 seminars on social dialogue and decent work matters were organised for the Latvian business society. - 2 round table discussions about sectoral social dialogue practices, development challenges were organised for the purpose of raising the development of sectoral social dialogue in the political and business environment agenda. - 1 study visit to Oslo was organised in order to learn about Norwegian sectoral social dialogue experience. The project outputs are the following: - More than 700 representatives of the Latvian business society were trained on social dialogue and decent work matters and had better understanding of social dialogue in Latvia. - 2 cooperation agreements were concluded with sectoral associations. - 2 reports were elaborated – (1) study on situation of sectoral social dialogue and its opportunities and obstacles, and (2) the legal framework of social dialogue in Latvian and international law. - Guidelines on the strengthening the sectoral social dialogue in Latvia were elaborated. - Study about challenges of the development of sectoral social dialogue was developed. Project activities directly resulted in activating question of sectoral social dialogue in agenda of political and business environment in Latvia. Based on the results of the project, the Employers’ Confederation of Latvia will work further on development sectoral social dialogue, namely will work with line ministries to ensure such business environment in Latvia that will provide conditions favourable for concluding sectoral general agreements.
Summary of bilateral results