Description
This project increased the capacity of the trade union side in the metal industry to introduce into the local social dialogue, issues related to the employment of immigrants and refugees and a multicultural working environment. Training activities built on the good practice in primarily Norway, and the previous project which was implemented in partnership with the Norwegian trade union Fellesforbundet, which in the second phase was involved on an informal basis and contributed with expertise and assist in the organisation of the study visit to Norway.
While the first project focused on identifying problems, building the awareness of trade union activists and basic knowledge about employing migrants and working in a multicultural environment, the second phase of the project focused on developing practical solutions that the union side can propose in the social dialogue process, both related to migrant workers and Ukrainian refugees.
The project also encouraged tripartite dialogue with the participation of public administration at local level, since the increased immigration and the refugee situation raised the need for a closer cooperation between social partners and public authorities.
The following activities were carried out:
- Study visit for 15 trade union representatives to Norway, including meetings with private, social and public partners.
- Training of 60 trade union representatives on the employment of migrants/refugees and a multicultural working environment
- Export reports on legal, economic, and social aspects of the project issues and proposals for changes.
- Advanced training of 90 trade union representatives on the inclusion of migrant issues in social dialogue and collective agreements and cooperation with local public institutions.
- Dissemination and publication of project material.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several issues and challenges related to the employment of immigrants and working in a multicultural environment within the metal industry in Poland. These included the need for equal treatment and prevention of discrimination against both Polish employees and migrants, the lack of appropriate employment policies that consider the specific needs of migrants, and the necessity for additional adaptation measures. It also sought to support the integration of migrants into society as a joint task of employers, trade unions, and public administration. Furthermore, the project aimed to address the unpreparedness of national workers to work in a multicultural environment.
It organised a study visit to Norway for 15 trade union staff and experts to learn from social partners about the employment of migrants and refugees. It provided training for 60 trade union activists, mainly from outside the Metalworkers'' Secretariat, on employing foreigners and working in a multicultural environment. The project also produced expert reports on the legal, economic, and social aspects of the issues and proposals for changes. Additionally, it conducted advanced training for 90 trade union activists from the metal sector on including migrant issues in social dialogue and collective agreements, and cooperation with local public institutions. Finally, the project disseminated its achievements through the publication of project materials, including training programs, expert reports, and training materials.
The project increased the competencies of trade union activists and cooperators in employing foreigners and working in a multicultural environment. The growth of competencies among participants was widespread and noticeable, as indicated by responses in evaluation questionnaires. The project also impacted some organisations outside the National Metalworkers'' Secretariat whose participants took part in the project. As a result, the project produced programs and training materials that can still be used, and the training can be continued if necessary. The individual and collective competencies acquired by members and organisations are a significant potential to raise issues related to foreigners in social dialogue forums. Overall, the project increased awareness of trade unions'' responsibility for workers deprived of proper protection due to being foreigners.