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Description
The project contributed to achieve better access to flexible work and include more people into the labour market through social dialogue and tripartite cooperation
This project aimed at contributing to more flexible labour market in Estonia, stronger tripartite cooperation, more knowledge about different flexible work forms and opportunities, and to acquire new knowledge from the Norwegian partner NHO and use it for better tripartite cooperation and flexible work in Estonia.
The project built on the results of the previous project “Facilitated access to work through flexible work" (2020/510865), which raised the capacity of employers to recruit disadvantaged groups like young, elderly and people with disabilities and influenced, through strengthened tripartite cooperation, more active labour market policies to facilitate access to work through more flexible forms of work.
Key activities of the project:
- Improving tripartite dialogue to achieve legislative changes for new flexible forms of work.
- Online seminar organised by NHO for the Estonian partners, and a 2 days study visit of two NHO experts to Estonia
- Five bipartite or tripartite discussion seminars with workshops on flexible work and facilitated access to work for different target groups aiming at legislative changes and raised awareness.
- Study materials including four radio shows and two short study videos for those who cannot take part in the seminars or training, and also raise peoples'' awareness on topics related to facilitated access to flexible work, like telework.
- Final evaluation, including recommendations.
- Communication, including website, newsletters, posts and videos in social media, press releases, articles in related topics, radio shows etc.
Summary of project results
The project sought to address the persistent lack of qualified labour to fill vacant jobs. Despite a high inclusion rate in the labour market, there were still significant numbers of vacant positions, exacerbated by an ageing population and economic challenges due to the war and the COVID-19 pandemic. The project sought to improve access to flexible work and integrate more people into the labour market, particularly disadvantaged groups such as the young, elderly, and people with disabilities. It also aimed to enhance social dialogue and tripartite cooperation to influence active labour market policies and legislative changes.
The project focused on improving tripartite dialogue to achieve legislative changes for new flexible forms of work. This included organising an online seminar by the Norwegian partner NHO for Estonian partners and a two-day study visit of NHO experts to Estonia. The project also held bipartite/tripartite discussion seminars with workshops on flexible work and facilitated access to work for different target groups. Additionally, study materials such as radio shows and short study videos were produced to raise awareness on topics related to flexible work. The project also included communication efforts and awareness raising through websites, newsletters, social media posts, press releases, and articles.
The project met with state representatives monthly, addressing national policies and laws related to minimum wage and employer pension. These meetings create, in turn, improved social dialogue and cooperation between social partners. The project developed active labour market policy measures involving social partners and conducted tripartite dialogue consultations. It also trained professional social partners'' staff and conducted awareness-raising campaigns. The outcomes include a more flexible labour market in Estonia, stronger tripartite cooperation, and increased knowledge about flexible work forms and opportunities, benefiting employers, employees, and the broader economy.
Summary of bilateral results
The two partners shared knowledge and insights on establishing a safe and healthy work environment amid today’s flexible working conditions. During the Norwegian partner''s study visit to Estonia and the two seminars, they focused on key aspects of the Estonian labour market, flexibility in employment relationships, and recent changes in labour law. In the accompanying webinar, they explored the role of collective agreements in Estonia and Norway, examining these frameworks within the context of current labor market developments and the increasing emphasis on flexibility. Each of these events proved highly informative and valuable for all participants and parties involved.