More information
Description
The project aimed to strengthen the formal and informal social dialogue and its participants (representatives of employer organisations) by developing a model for initiating social dialogue by the employer side. Project main focus was on the diagnosis (based on the data, research, and best practices from other countries) development, testing and practical use of the model.
The primary goal of the project was to develop and test a model for initiating social dialogue by the employer side at both national and regional levels. This model aims to address the passive role traditionally played by employer organisations in social dialogue. The project focused on the legalization of employment and residence of foreign persons in Poland, as well as other topics related to decent work, such as work-life balance and the improvement of women''s employment conditions.
The project consisted of three main activity groups. The first group aimed to strengthen social dialogue participants through training sessions, proposals for changes in acts of law, and networking meetings. The second group focused on developing a model for initiating social dialogue, which includes workshops with a Norwegian partner and a national conference. The third group involved testing and practical use of the model, including investigations of national and EU regulations, study visits, and consultations.
The project expected to have a significant impact on national policies and laws related to decent work. It contributed to the overall objectives of the Norway Grants 2014-2021 and the SDDW Programme by improving social dialogue and cooperation between social partners. The partnership with the Norwegian Confederation of Enterprise (NHO) was important for the project''s success, providing good practices and international experience.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several key challenges related to social dialogue in Poland. Primarily, it sought to tackle the passive role traditionally played by employer organisations in initiating social dialogue. This included the need to strengthen the formal and informal social dialogue mechanisms and enhance the participation of employer organisations in these processes. Specific issues included the legalization of employment and residence of foreign workers in Poland, work-life balance, and the improvement of women''s employment conditions. Additionally, the project aimed to address the lack of structured communication and cooperation between central and regional employer organisations, as well as the need for better preparation and knowledge among employer representatives to effectively participate in social dialogue.
The project undertook a series of activities to develop and test a model for initiating social dialogue by employer organisations at both national and regional levels. Key activities included strengthening social dialogue participants through training sessions, developing proposals for changes in acts of law, and organizing networking meetings. Workshops and consultations were held to improve the knowledge and skills of employer representatives regarding their rights and duties in social dialogue. The project also developed a draft model for initiating social dialogue, which included workshops with a Norwegian partner (NHO) and a national conference to discuss and refine the model. The model was then promoted among employer organisations. Additionally, the project tested the model through activities such as investigating national and EU regulations on the employment of foreign workers, conducting study visits, and running consultations. This phase also included drafting initial proposals and conducting social dialogue in the Social Dialogue Council (RDS) and Regional Social Dialogue Councils (WRDS).
The project achieved several significant outcomes and impacts. It improved the quality of social dialogue by preparing employer organisations to initiate discussions on important social and economic matters. This included the development of legislative positions and their representation at national and regional forums. The project also enhanced collaboration between beneficiary and donor state entities, particularly through the partnership with the Norwegian Confederation of Enterprise (NHO), which facilitated the exchange of good practices and international experience. This collaboration extended beyond the project implementation period, fostering ongoing cooperation. The project measurably strengthened the institutional potential of regional employer organisations by providing access to best practices and jointly developed positions. It also created a platform for structured communication between central and regional organisations, improving the quality of cooperation and identifying key areas for collaboration. The project provided valuable knowledge and expert opinions on topics such as the legalization of stay and employment of foreign workers, EU regulations, and migration policy. This knowledge better prepared employer representatives for discussions and legislative work. The project resulted in proposals for changes in the functioning of social dialogue institutions, including regulations regarding the representativeness of organisations participating in social dialogue. These proposals were prepared in the summer of 2022 and are expected to have a lasting impact on the effectiveness of social dialogue in Poland. The primary beneficiaries of the project were employer organisations, their representatives, and other social dialogue participants, including trade unions and government administration. The project also indirectly benefited the broader society by contributing to improved social and economic policies and practices.
Summary of bilateral results
The project promoter highlighted the cooperation between national experts from Lewiatan and NHO as a great advantage of the project. During the meeting in Norway, special attention was paid to the Norwegian experience in the field of women''s employment and activities for the organization''s culture supporting diversity. Due to the change of the situation as a result of the war in Ukraine, it gained particular importance in Poland. A representative of NHO also participated in the panel during the European Forum for New Ideas in Sopot (2022). Cooperation with NHO extended beyond the project implementation period. As examples, conclusions from the implementation of the project were presented by NHO in Brussels, and these relations will be used as part of ongoing cooperation in BusinessEurope.