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Description
The project contributed to building the capacity of trade unions for digital transformation and to rethink social dialogue in a more digital society.
This project addressed the consequences of the pandemic on the functioning of trade unions and social dialogue, and more specifically lessons learned from the ''forced'' digital transformation. It looked into the many examples of good practice that emerged during the pandemic and built the capacity of CMKOS and its members to adapt to a ''digital social dialogue''.
The project raised a number of important questions linked to the role of social partners and the functioning of social dialogue in a digital era. Social dialogue is built on trust and social contact, collective bargaining is conducted in physical meetings, new members are recruited through meetings and outreach, so the overall question is how to adapt this work to an online environment while securing a well-functioning social dialogue.
The project also contributed to strengthening the cooperation between employer organisations and trade union representatives. In addition, the partnership and close cooperation with LO Norway transferred new knowledge and experience on the digital trade unionism practices and mind sets.
Activities were structured as follows:
- Survey: Digital adaptability of selected ČMKOS´s affiliated trade unions
- Translation of 2 foreign materials as supporting documentation
- Creating a self-assessment tool for the digital maturity sphere of the trade union organisation
- Creation of the proposal with the working name “A digital compass -routing possibilities of trade unions” based on the outcomes of strategic workshops
- Analysis of statutes and rules of procedure of selected trade unions in the context of the digital demands of online functioning
- Methodical proposals to amend the rules of procedure and statutes for selected TUs - online functioning options
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several challenges that emerged due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These included the need for digital skills, the adaptation of social dialogue to an online environment, and the establishment of regulatory frameworks to ensure decent working conditions and data protection. The pandemic accelerated digital transformation, pushing organizations into new digital realms and fundamentally altering communication and collaboration across Europe. This shift presented challenges such as the need for digital skills and regulatory frameworks to ensure decent working conditions and data protection.
The project focused on three main areas: digital "mindsetting," consultations and workshops with top experts, and learning from the digitalization experiences of trade unions abroad. The project included a survey to map the digital adaptability of selected CMKOS-affiliated trade unions, the translation of supporting documentation, the creation of a self-assessment tool for digital maturity, and the development of a proposal called "A digital compass - routing possibilities of trade unions." Additionally, it analyzed statutes and rules of procedure of selected trade unions in the context of digital demands and provided methodical proposals to amend these rules for online functioning. The project also involved international workshops, strategic workshops, and study trips to Norway to learn from the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO).
The project enhanced the capacity of CMKOS and its affiliates to participate in online social dialogue and shape the conditions of social dialogue in the digital environment. It set up a transparent digital environment for bipartite social dialogue, increasing trust between social partners for digital collective bargaining. The project also increased the possibilities for adapting internal trade union structures to digital trends. The beneficiaries of these outcomes included CMKOS members, affiliated trade unions, and social partners in the Czech Republic, who gained improved knowledge and insight into digital tools and AI, allowing them to work more effectively using technology. The partnership with LO Norway further deepened cooperation and shared valuable expertise in digitalization and social dialogue.
Summary of bilateral results
The Norwegian partner provided information on the topics of the project, expert knowledge and experience in this area. LO had gone through the same process of digitalisation in their organisation and had a lot of experience to share, which CMKOS highlighted that helped them to have the right start and view on this problematics.