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Description
The project aimed to address the level of trust and social dialogue practices between social partners in Estonia. This was important for developing a more effective social dialogue model, which is necessary for easing reforms and gaining political support. The focus was on equipping employers with knowledge and practical tools to facilitate access to work for inactive groups such as the young, elderly, and people with disabilities. It also aimed to strengthen tripartite cooperation among employers, trade unions, and the government to prepare for legislative changes that support more active labour market policies.
The project aimed to improve social dialogue and cooperation, enhance the implementation of the decent work agenda, facilitate access to employment, and strengthen collaboration between beneficiary and Norwegian entities. It delivered value by proposing legislative changes, educating employers, and improving cooperation between social partners and the government.
Key activities of the project included conducting a questionnaire to map the needs of employers and trade unions, organizing training sessions for employers, studies, and holding seminars and workshops with participation from trade unions and Norwegian experts. A study trip to Norway for an Estonian tripartite delegation was also planned. The project developped written and filmed study materials for wider distribution and e-learning, conducted a final evaluation questionnaire, and engaged in communication and public relations to disseminate information.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several key issues, including addressing the level of trust and social dialogue practices between social partners in Estonia, which hindered effective cooperation and legislative reforms. It also sought to tackle the labour laws and legal environment that left little room for dialogue and agreements between employers and organized workers, especially at the sector level. Additionally, the project focused on integrating inactive groups such as the young, elderly, and people with disabilities into the labour market, and the need for more active labour market policies to facilitate access to work through flexible forms of employment. Another significant challenge was the shortage of qualified labour to fill vacant jobs in Estonia, despite a low unemployment rate.
Regular tripartite meetings were held, where the Employers'' Confederation, trade unions, and the state met monthly, sometimes weekly, to foster cooperation and implement changes. Training sessions were organized for hundreds of employers, branch organizations, trade unions, and public sector representatives on various topics related to flexible work and facilitated access to employment. Four external studies were completed on remote work, flexible work arrangements, health crises, and digitalization, and these materials were shared through various communication channels. Seven study videos on topics related to facilitated access to work through flexible work were produced and viewed thousands of times online. Additionally, two study visits took place, involving the Estonian Trade Unions Confederation, to gain new knowledge and practices regarding social dialogue and flexible work.
Regular meetings and cooperation between the Employers'' Confederation, trade unions, and the state led to important changes at the state level, such as the introduction of variable hours agreements in the retail trade. Training sessions improved the knowledge and skills of hundreds of employers, trade unions, and public sector representatives, facilitating access to work through flexible arrangements. The four external studies and study materials provided valuable insights and resources for future work on flexible work arrangements and facilitated access to employment. The seven study videos reached a wide audience, providing education on various topics related to flexible work. The study visits and ongoing cooperation with the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise and the Estonian Trade Unions Confederation improved social dialogue and cooperation, with plans to continue this collaboration in the future. The primary beneficiaries of the project were employers, trade unions, public sector representatives, and inactive groups such as the young, elderly, and people with disabilities, who gained better access to employment opportunities through flexible work arrangements.
Summary of bilateral results
The project promoter highlighted that the cooperation with the Norwegian partner contributed to the exchange of good practices to improve social dialogue and flexible work, including in the study visits. The ongoing cooperation with the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise is planned to continue in the future.