Effective social dialogue in the construction industry- challenges and opportunities

Project facts

Project promoter:
The Association of Building Entrepreneurs of the Czech Republic(CZ)
Project Number:
SDDW-0068
Status:
Completed
Final project cost:
€163,186
Donor Project Partners:
Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise(NO)
Other Project Partners
Trade Union of Building Workers of the Czech Republic (OS STAVBA)(CZ)

More information

Description

The project contributed to raise the capacity of social partners  in the construction sector to participate in both tripartite and bipartite social dialogue, and to build trust between the employers and the employees, inspired by the Norwegian model for social dialogue. 

The project partners wanted to analyse the challenges and opportunities within the social dialogue and cooperation in the Czech construction sector, and based on the exchange of good practices and expertise with the Norwegian partner, carried out different activities to build capacity and trust to strengthen the social dialogue. An analysis was done by four thematic groups which resulted in a report outlining the strategy forward. 

The project had a strong partnership between ABE representing employers and the trade union OS STAVBA representing building workers, in  partnership with NHO and with the involvement of the Federation of the Norwegian Construction Industries. The Norwegians shared their experience with collective bargaining agreements, and the Czech partners intend to use this knowledge to sign future agreements. 

These were the key activities of the project:

- Communication events (Opening event and Closing Conference)
- Study visit in Norway
- Identifying and addressing the key challenges related to social dialogue in the construction sector
- Working session in the Czech Republic
- Publication of the manual
- Training Sessions
- Awareness-raising campaign
 

Summary of project results

The project aimed to address several key challenges in the construction sector in the Czech Republic. These included the need to strengthen both bipartite (between employers and employees) and tripartite (including the government) social dialogue, insufficient trust and cooperation between employers and employees, issues related to legislation and the effectiveness of social dialogue instruments, and current labour market challenges. Additionally, there was a need to raise awareness and build the capacity of social partners to engage effectively in social dialogue.

The project strengthened tripartite and bipartite cooperation at the national level, raising the level of trust between participating social partners. It trained 80 people, increasing their capacity to participate in social dialogue. The project also strengthened bilateral relations and cooperation between Norway and the Czech Republic, with the exchange of best practices. A memorandum of understanding and cooperation in the field of social dialogue and collective bargaining was concluded with OS Stavba. Additionally, the project created a more inclusive environment through the introduction of new effective ways of worker cooperation and collaboration between employers'' representatives.

The beneficiaries of these outcomes included employers and employees in the construction sector, who directly benefits from improved social dialogue and cooperation. Social partners and stakeholders gained from increased capacity and trust, as well as the transfer of Norwegian best practices. 

Summary of bilateral results

The project promoter highlighted what they learned about the Norwegian system, the important transfer of knowledge and practices of decent work, as well as the position of trade unions in Norway.

Information on the projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants is provided by the Programme and Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States, who are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information.