Dijana Šobota is responsible for international relations in the Union of Autonomous Trade Unions of Croatia (UATUC). The Union is a local partner in a decent work project run by the Ministry of Labour and Pension System.
With about €100 000 in support from Norway through the Croatian ‘Global fund for decent work and tripartite dialogue’ programme, the project is helping to stimulate dialogue and cooperation between social partners – workers, employers and government – with the aim of promoting decent work. A labour market characterised by cooperation brings many benefits, helping in particular to establish trust and thereby reduce conflict.
Raising awareness of decent work issues
Through training and the development of a manual with practical guidelines on tripartite dialogue, social partners are now better equipped to work together to formulate and negotiate collective agreements and public policies. The manual is important for raising awareness of decent work issues, such as non-discrimination, freedom to associate and guaranteeing rights at work. A cooperation group has been established to discuss issues of strategic relevance for improving social dialogue.
"As a result of the project, labour market partners have improved their capacity to work together to find solutions to decent work issues of concern to both workers, employers and the government,” says Šobota.
With its long experience of tripartite consultation, the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) has been involved sharing its expertise and good practices.
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This is one of 52 projects across 13 beneficiary countries financed under the €8.1 million Norway Grants decent work and tripartite programme. An independent review carried out in January 2016 found that the programme has made an important contribution to improving practices and social dialogue structure.
Results from selected programme
60 People participated in workshops or training courses
1 Study visit to Norway
1 New cooperation group/entity established
1 Guidance manual on social dialouge developed
Review of Decent Work and Tripartite Dialogue – Citizens summary
Review of Decent Work and Tripartite Dialogue – Final Report
Download the 'Global Fund for Decent Work and Tripartite Dialogue' brochure
Download the 'Global Fund for Decent Work and Tripartite Dialogue' factsheet