Description
This is the second phase of a project building the capacity of trade unions for digital transformation and to rethink social dialogue in a more digital society.
This project addresses 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 will look into the many examples of good practice that emerged during the pandemic and build the capacity of CMKOS and its members to adapt to a ''digital social dialogue''
The applicant raises 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 will also contribute to strengthen the cooperation between employer organisations and trade union representatives. In addition, the partnership and close cooperation with LO Norway will transfer new knowledge and experience on the digital trade unionism practices and mind sets.
Activities are structured as follows:
1) Survey: Digital adaptability of selected ČMKOS´s affiliated trade unions
2) Translation of 2 foreign materials as supporting documentation
3) Creating a self-assessment tool for the digital maturity sphere of the trade union organisation
4) Creation of the proposal with the working name “A digital compass -routing possibilities of trade unions” based on the outcomes of strategic workshops
5) Analysis of statutes and rules of procedure of selected trade unions in the context of the digital demands of online functioning
6) Methodical proposals to amend the rules of procedure and statutes for selected TUs - online functioning options
Summary of project results
This is a continuation of a first phase of the project. The aim of the project is to create an understanding of the current development of the digital environment and to build a digital mindset of trade unionists. The project is based on strategic workshops and support and information provided by the Norwegian project partner LO Norway.
The process of digitalisation is not only a question of purchasing hardware or software, but its success depends on strong leadership, continuous care of the digital mindset and a proactive approach to new ways of co-working.
The second phase of the project targeted on practical implementation of digitalisation in the ČMKOS, which is the umbrella organisation of trade unions.
1) Strategy Assessment
This activity reviewed current strategic priorities with a focus on how digital technologies can bolster areas like digital invoice processing and approval, legislative process collaboration, efficient document sharing and collaboration.
2) Current Processes Assessment
A questionnaire was distributed among employees to provide feedback on existing processes and inefficiencies, followed by workshops to map out key processes for digital transformation, in close cooperation with Norwegian partner.
3) Process reengineering
An external supplier elaborated recommendations for the different key processes and prepared a ‘Handbook for digitalisation of selected processes within ČMKOS’, the ‘Mapping of key processes within ČMKOS; Priorities of departments to improve efficiency and cooperation’and the document ‘Digital Compass (Roadmap) — ČMKOS strategies in a long-termperspective’.
4) Three trainings of ČMKOS staff focusing on changing mindset and readiness for a digital transition.
5) Digital Compass (Roadmap) was the result of the two phases of the project. ot two projects (the previous and this one). The second phase focused on the employment of an IT specialist, services provided to affiliated unions, integration of artificial intelligence into the work, and training.
6) Evaluation
The evaluation focused on feedback from staff and experts and a debate has opened up within ČMKOS and its affiliates about the future digital direction and the range of services provided.
By this project the project promoter wanted to take advantage of the possibilities of current digitalization tools and methos and find ways to implement it into their current daily activities and cooperation with trade union affiliates. The important result was the Handbook for digitalisation of selected processes within ČMKOS and that they opened the debate on the technological development within the trade union.
The project team identified three processes that needed improvement, and with the assistance of an external expert firm, a survey was carried out within the organisation, both managers and employees of the respective departments.
Summary of bilateral results
The Norwegian partner LO contributed to the project with its expertise in digitization through active involvement of its experts in this field.