Description
The project contributed to strenghten bipartite and tripartite social dialogue through capacity-building and Norwegian best practice. It buildt on the STRONG project, and developped new training activities, including on covid-related topics like crisis management and and the use of digital tools in social dialogue.
This project responded to a concrete challenge in Bulgaria, and improved social dialogue through training and awareness. The pandemic situation accentuated the need for new procedures and tools for social dialogue, and this project proposed training and digital tools to improve the capacity and preparedness of social partners.
The project had a strong partnership between a major employer organisation and trade union in Bulgaria, and the continued partnership with the Norwegian partner NHO brought expertise to the activities.
The following activities were carried out:
- Newsletters and Social media
- Promotional events
- Research of good practices on social dialogue in times of pandemic, including recommendations and a roadmap
- Four on-line training modules on different topics related to the the Covid crisis
- Upgrading of the STRONG project on-line platform for social dialogue
- Two Social dialogue ateliers in Bulgaria
- Study visit to Norway
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted social dialogue and decent work in Bulgaria. The pandemic highlighted the need for new procedures and tools to maintain effective social dialogue during crises. The project sought to enhance the capacity of social partners to engage in bipartite and tripartite cooperation, focusing on dispute prevention, voluntary resolution, and the use of digital tools for social dialogue.
The project conducted research on good practices in social dialogue during the pandemic, developed four online training modules on crisis management, online social dialogue, decent work in a digital environment, and strategies to overcome the COVID-19 crisis. The project also organized two social dialogue ateliers in Bulgaria, where participants could learn from Norwegian best practices, and facilitated a study visit to Norway for representatives from BCCI and CL Podkrepa. Additionally, the project included promotional events, newsletters, and social media campaigns to raise awareness and disseminate information.
The project provided training to 115 professionals through the online modules and engaged more than 50 participants in the social dialogue ateliers. The study visit to Norway allowed BCCI and CL Podkrepa to exchange experiences and learn about remote work practices and related legislation. The project strengthened the partnership between BCCI and NHO, leading to the successful implementation of three projects. Overall, the project improved the skills and knowledge of social partners, enhanced social dialogue, and fostered cooperation between Bulgaria and Norway.
Summary of bilateral results
The Norwegian partner organised a study trip to Norway, and they participated in various events. The project promoter highlighted that what they learned from the Norwegian partner was improved knowledge and skills in social dialogue and tripartite cooperation, exchange of good practices and experience.