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Description
The project addressed the lack of trust and social dialogue practices in Bulgaria and built capacity for a more effective social dialogue. The Covid situation lead to also a lock-down of the social dialogue due to the lack of alternative tools for communication between employers and trade unions in the security sector.
The Covid situation was challenging for the representatives of the security sector, meaning the police, fire brigade, and rescuers, who had to deal with extra work due to the pandemic in addition to their regular duties and role in maintaining public order. The lack of social dialogue in Bulgaria affected the members of the trade union in the sector, TUFEMI, and created tensions. This project therefore created new modern tools and procedures to allow a better social dialogue and communication, also during a crisis situation.
Many countries were affected by lock-down, but social partners quickly found working tools to engage social partners and put social dialogue at a new level, like for instance in Norway. The project drew on this experience through the Norwegian partner.
The project improved the knowledge and competences of TUFEMIs members to identify new challenges and to develop new tools for an efficient social dialogue. This provided police officers, fire-fighters and rescuers with necessary skills and tools to negotiate with the Ministry of Interior in any circumstances. In addition, the project raised awareness among other stakeholders and the public about the importance of social dialogue across sectors.
Activities included:
- creation of a web-based platform for training, communication and exchange of information
- development of training methodology and training materials
- two-days workshop
- publicity matierial: information brochure, 10 podcasts, 50 infographics
- a final conference
Summary of project results
This project aimed to address the level of trust and effective social dialogue practices in Bulgaria, particularly in the security sector, which includes the police, fire brigade, and rescuers. The level of trust was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a lockdown of social dialogue due to the absence of alternative communication tools. The pandemic added extra work and stress for security sector representatives, who had to manage their regular duties along with additional responsibilities related to the pandemic. The lockdown led to the suspension of the Social Partnership Council meetings, and the traditional methods of communication between employers and trade unions were not feasible. There was a clear need for modern tools and procedures to facilitate better social dialogue and communication, especially during crisis situations.
A key activity was the creation of a web-based platform for training, communication, and information exchange. This platform was designed to be adaptable for other sectors and countries. The project developed training methodologies and materials, including modules on social dialogue, negotiation, and change management. A two-day workshop and a final conference were organized to present the training methodology and discuss the platform''s functionalities. The project also produced various publicity materials, including an information brochure, 10 podcasts, infographics, and a manual for training materials. Additionally, special training was provided to a team from TUFEMI on how to administer the web platform and expand it in the future.
One of the major achievements was the amendment to the Ministry of Interior (MoI) law, linking the salaries of MoI employees to the average national wage and allowing union leaders to work on developing social dialogue while being paid by MoI. The rights of employees working under the MoI Law, Civil Servant Law, and Labour Code were harmonised. The project improved social dialogue and trust between the trade union in the security sector and the Ministry of Interior. It raised awareness among stakeholders and the public about the importance of social dialogue and provided police officers, fire-fighters, and rescuers with the necessary skills and tools for effective negotiation. The project influenced national policies and legislation, with an agreement expected between the Ministry of Interior and TUFEMI to publish legislative documents on the project platform for feedback and comments. It also strengthened the partnership between TUFEMI and the Norwegian partner, Fagforbundet. The primary beneficiaries of the project were the members of TUFEMI, including police officers, fire-fighters, and rescuers, as well as the Ministry of Interior and other stakeholders involved in social dialogue in the security sector.
Summary of bilateral results
The project promoter underlined that the partnership with the Norwegian partner Fagforbundet was highly impactful and offered TUFEMI new perspectives on organizing and implementing social dialogue. Fagforbundet provided valuable insights into social dialogue practices, not only for Norwegian firefighters, but police officers. Through this partnership, TUFEMI has experimented with new methods to advocate for a shift in government attitudes toward employee rights. Inspired by Norway’s Trust Reform, TUFEMI aims to initiate a campaign to change public perceptions and attitudes toward employees. This project has fostered a stronger trust between TUFEMI and Fagforbundet, setting the stage for even more ambitious joint projects ahead.