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Description
The aim of the project is to strengthen the bipartite social dialogue in Lithuania which is weak compared to Norway and other EU countries. Lithuanian social partners at national level are rarely involved in bipartite cross-sectoral dialogue in the design and implementation of reforms and policies.
The project was run by the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation, which is the biggest trade union confederation in Lithuania, comprising 24 branches of trade unions. The partner was the main confederation of employers - the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists (LPK). Their sister organisations from Norway were involved as partners: the Norwegian Trade Union Confederation (LO) and Norwegian Federation of Service Industries and Retail Trade (NHO).
The project responds to a need for stronger national cross-sectoral social partners confederations, and to increase their capacity to take part in bipartite social dialogue. The main area of the project is to improve social dialogue, prepare a Basic Agreement and implement decent work through improved social dialogue, inspired by the Norwegian experience though cooperation with Norwegian social partners.
Key activities in the project:
- Introductory training on social dialogue in Vilnius.
- Open communication training in five cities.
- Study visit to Norway and round table discussions.
- Mid-term workshop on Social dialogue and collective agreements in Vilnius.
- Leadership training in five cities.
- Final conference and one day training in Vilnius.
Summary of project results
The SociaLTY project aimed to address the bipartite social dialogue in Lithuania, where employers and trade unions had limited engagement in bilateral negotiations. This lack of dialogue hindered the development and implementation of reforms and policies, particularly at the regional level. The project sought to bridge this gap by fostering mutual understanding and trust between social partners, thereby creating a more collaborative labor market environment.
The main aim of this project was the signing of a national collective agreement between trade unions and employers‘ organisations. To achieve this goal, a permanent working group of social partners was established. Taking into account the experience of the Norwegian social partners, the working group generated ideas and prepared a draft project.
In June 2022, the leaders of the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists and the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation signed the basic agreement “Agreement on strengthening social dialogue” and its accompanying appendix “Guidelines for the conclusion of collective agreements”. According to the president of the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation, Inga Ruginienė, they achieved the first game-changing milestone thanks to this project. With this agreement, both sides understood the value of collective agreements, and committed to step up efforts negotiate new agreements on common principles. The project also contributed to building trust between the social partners, which is much needed in Lithuania.
The project, which was implemented by the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation (LPSK), contributed to strengthen social dialogue, promote bilateral collective bargaining, and to agree on main principles, procedures and possible topics of future collective negotiations in Lithuania.
The primary beneficiaries of the project were the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists (LPK) and the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation (LPSK), along with their members. By fostering mutual understanding and trust, the project created a more collaborative and trusting labor market, benefiting both employers and employees.
Summary of bilateral results
The best experience from project partners was during the study visit in Oslo and to learn how the Norwegian model works. Experts from partner’s organizations (LO and NHO) gave high-quality presentations. LPSK have gained valuable information and knowledge being applied in creating a culture of social dialogue in trade unions and across the country. An even larger audience from Lithuania could learn about Norway''s experience during the final conference where LO presented how the Norwegian model works and how it benefits both employees and employers.