Description
The main objective was to build voluntary platforms for social dialogue, involving trade unions, direct employers, and local self-governments, to improve the quality of social dialogue in the public sector at the local level.
The project aimed to address the underdeveloped state of industrial relations and social dialogue in Poland, particularly at the local public sector level. Trade unions represent employees of various institutions and companies owned or influenced by local authorities, but legally, only direct employers can be trade union partners in negotiations. This creates tension and conflicts, as local authorities can subcontract public services, limiting the trade unions'' ability to negotiate and influence working conditions.
The project involved several key activities. Firstly, a desk research was conducted to determine the current state of social dialogue in the public sector at the local level. This included a fact-finding seminar and the creation of a research report covering existing channels for social dialogue, obstacles, and recommendations. Secondly, a good practice competition was organized to promote positive practices introduced by municipalities, requiring a certificate from the National Labour Inspectorate. Thirdly, a study visit to Norway was arranged to learn about the Norwegian system of collective bargaining and social dialogue at the municipal level. Fourthly, a model for conducting social dialogue in the public sector was developed and pilot tested in two chosen municipalities in Poland. Finally, dissemination and publicity activities were carried out to share the project results and raise awareness about the importance of social dialogue.
The activity list included a study visit to Norway, development of a model for social dialogue and pilot testing, additionally regular publicity through various media.
Summary of project results
The project "Social Dialogue Schemes for Decent Work in the Public Sector at Municipal Level," led by NSZZ Solidarność in Poland, included several key activities. Initially, desk research was conducted to assess the current state of social dialogue in the public sector at the local level, resulting in a fact-finding seminar and a comprehensive research report. A good practice competition was organized to highlight positive practices introduced by municipalities, requiring certification from the National Labour Inspectorate. Additionally, a study visit to Norway was arranged to learn about the Norwegian system of collective bargaining and social dialogue at the municipal level. The project also developed and pilot tested a model for conducting social dialogue in two selected municipalities in Poland. Finally, dissemination and publicity activities were carried out to share the project results and raise awareness about the importance of social dialogue.
The project achieved several significant outcomes. A total of 93 participants gained knowledge about decent work practices, and 293 participants increased their awareness of conducting social dialogue and collective bargaining in the local public sector. Two municipalities improved their social dialogue proceedings, and two new committees were established for social dialogue consultation on decent work topics, leading to the conclusion of two local social partners'' agreements. Additionally, a research report titled "Local Government and Trade Unions - The Conditions, Potential, and Perspectives of Social Dialogue" was published in both Polish and English, along with a general report on the pilot tests. The project also sparked interest from at least two more towns or cities in similar initiatives.
Overall, the project successfully improved social dialogue and cooperation, promoted the decent work agenda, and developed valuable resources and partnerships that will continue to benefit the public sector in Poland. The collaboration with Norwegian partners provided valuable insights and best practices, contributing to the project''s success and the future development of social dialogue in Poland. The primary beneficiaries of the project were the participants, including trade unions, direct employers, and local self-governments, who gained knowledge and tools to enhance social dialogue and cooperation in their respective municipalities.
Summary of bilateral results
A study visit was organised to Norway, and the Norwegian partner Fagforbundet participated in different activities and events. The project promoter hightlighted that they learned from their Norwegian partner the practical aspects of collective bargaining in the public sector in Norway, and case studies on solving difficult issues.