Description
The project aimed to strengthen bipartite and tripartite social dialogue in the digital era and its influence at local, regional, and national levels. It addressed challenges related to digitalization, such as investments in skills, new organizational practices, and increased psycho-social risks. By improving social dialogue and cooperation, the project sought to enhance the capacity of social partners and promote the decent work agenda in Bulgaria.
Main Activities:
- Development of General Digital Skills Packages
- Training and consultations for 500 social partners'' representatives
- Key competences training (communication, public speaking, negotiations, etc.)
- Building a platform for training and exchange
- Publicity and awareness campaign
Project Results:
- Stronger tripartite cooperation in pilot regions
- Increased trust between social partners
- Improved tripartite cooperation through consultations and campaigns
- Influenced stakeholder institutions with shared good practices
- Training of 500 professional staff and social partner institutions
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address the challenges posed by digitalization in modern society, particularly its impact on employment and working conditions. Key issues included the need for investments in skills, new organizational practices, and the management of increased psycho-social risks. The project sought to strengthen bipartite and tripartite social dialogue to improve cooperation and address these challenges at local, regional, and national levels. By enhancing the capacity of social partners and promoting the decent work agenda, the project aimed to facilitate better working conditions and access to employment in Bulgaria.
The project implemented several activities to achieve its objectives. It developed General Digital Skills Packages to enhance the effectiveness of social partnerships based on the Norwegian cooperation model with LO and NHO at the forefront. Training and consultations were provided to 500 social partners'' representatives, covering topics such as local/regional development policies, labour market requirements, and investment projects. Key competences training focused on communication, public speaking, negotiations, critical thinking, problem-solving, trust-building, and reaching consensus. A platform for training and exchange was built to facilitate the sharing of opinions, recommendations, and requirements among social partners. The project also conducted a publicity and awareness campaign, including a project website, leaflets, posters, international conferences, and press conferences. Effective project management ensured the successful implementation and reporting of activities.
The project successfully strengthened tripartite cooperation by involving relevant stakeholders at national and local levels in pilot regions such as Sofia, Varna, Burgas, Stara Zagora, and Veliko Turnovo. Trust between social partners increased through 36 bipartite dialogue consultations and joint training of 500 workers and employers. Improved tripartite cooperation resulted from 20 tripartite consultations and an 18-month social dialogue campaign that reached 1,000 citizens. The project influenced more stakeholder institutions by sharing good practices during conferences, training, and workshops. Additionally, 500 professional staff and social partner institutions received training. The primary beneficiaries were social partners, including workers, employers, and public bodies, who gained enhanced skills and knowledge to navigate the challenges of digitalization and improve working conditions.
Summary of bilateral results
The bilateral cooperation resulted in mutual learning of industrial relations and collective bargaining systems, the strong impact of social on society, digital transition, skills development policy and practice.