Description
The overarching aim of the project is to initiate discussions on how the Norwegian model of social dialogue in education can be adapted and introduced in the Polish environment. There are political and ideological differences between the trade unions and employers’ organisations that complicates the communication on bi- and tripartite level, and by that complicates the social dialogue. The current areas of conflict are mostly related with low level of salaries, but the dysfunctional mechanisms of tripartite dialogue go further beyond that matters. The education sector representatives will by this project be trained and have professional qualification to participate in negotiations, communicate and influence each other.
The project touches upon the weak points of social dialogue actors in education sector in Poland. It aims at transferring the experiences from Norway regarding cooperation model, best practices and tools to strengthen selected group of social partners in the 3 regions of south-west Poland.
The project aims to improve qualifications, knowledge and skills of minimum 60 Polish social partners from 3 voivodships (Dolnośląskie, Małopolskie, Opolskie) on effective social dialogue in education using the Norwegian model.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several key issues within the education sector in Poland, primarily focusing on the weak points of social dialogue among education sector actors. Political and ideological differences between trade unions and employers'' organizations complicated communication at both bi- and tripartite levels, leading to dysfunctional mechanisms of social dialogue. The current conflicts were largely related to low salary levels, but the challenges extended beyond this, affecting the overall effectiveness of social dialogue. The project sought to transfer the Norwegian model of social dialogue to Poland, aiming to improve the qualifications, knowledge, and skills of Polish social partners to participate effectively in negotiations and influence each other positively.
The project undertook several key activities to achieve its objectives. It began with a networking meeting in Poland to diagnose the conditions and challenges of social dialogue in both Poland and Norway and to establish a cooperation plan. This was followed by a study visit to Norway, where participants exchanged good practices, met with representatives of social dialogue entities, and prepared a catalogue of good practices. Workshops were held in Poland to increase the competence of Polish social partners in social dialogue. Additionally, a strategy for the development of social dialogue was elaborated for each of the three voivodships, with advisory support from the Norwegian partner. The project concluded with a summary seminar in Poland, where activities were reviewed, strategies were presented, and assumptions for a national strategy for social dialogue in education were developed.
The project successfully improved the qualifications, skills, and knowledge of at least 60 Polish social partners from the education sector. Despite COVID-19 restrictions, which necessitated an online meeting with a Norwegian expert instead of a study visit, the project achieved its goals. Participants benefited from workshops and training sessions led by highly qualified experts, resulting in increased knowledge as indicated by evaluation surveys. The project also established strong cooperation between provincial councils of OPZZ and employers'' organizations, facilitated by the Western Chamber of Commerce. The collaboration with Skolenes Landsforbund enabled the promotion and adaptation of the Norwegian model of social dialogue in education, strengthening Polish-Norwegian cooperation and best practice sharing. The primary beneficiaries were Polish social partners in the education sector, who gained enhanced capabilities to engage in effective social dialogue, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable socio-economic development in Poland.
Summary of bilateral results
The bilateral cooperation included the transfer of the Norwegian model of social dialogue to Poland, contributing to capacity-building of the Polish social partners to participate effectively in negotiations on improving working conditions in the education sector.