Description
The project aimed at dissemination of principles of social dialogue among Polish employers, employees, trade unions and enhanced social dialogue between social partners.
Applicant is a regional section of the umbrella trade union Solidarnosc, covering the Gdansk region. It addressed the general issue of insufficient or simulated social dialogue on the local and regional level that only fulfils formal requirements but is not filled with trust and understanding of common interests.
Solidarnosc wanted to change this old attitude through a series of training sessions for trade union activists participating in the social dialogue process in order to equip them with good basis for negotiating future Collective Bargaining Agreements.
Activities included:
- opening conference
- Creation of internet platform
- Study visit to Norway and meeting with social partners
- 3 meetings of a „round table” for employer’s associations, employers, different trade union representatives to discuss polish legal framework for social dialogue
- 10 sessions of off-site training (2,5 day) for 16 participants each.
- negotiation training for selected 160 trade unions negotiators
- closing conference
Summary of project results
The project "Social Dialogue - Key to Development" aimed to address several key issues and challenges in Poland. One major challenge was the low level of employer association, which hindered effective social dialogue. Additionally, there were legislative barriers that complicated the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and limited the capacity of trade unions to engage in meaningful dialogue with employers. Overall, the project aimed to build trust-based relationships among employers, employees, and trade unions, and to improve the capacity of trade union representatives to negotiate CBAs effectively.
The project aimed to enhance social dialogue among Polish employers, employees, and trade unions. Key activities included a dissemination campaign that reached tens of thousands of recipients through local and regional media, expert meetings to discuss the state of social dialogue, and ten training sessions for social partners. A three-day negotiation training for trade union activists was particularly effective. Bilateral cooperation between Norwegian and Polish trade unions was fostered through a study visit to Norway. Additionally, three round table meetings were organized to discuss and propose legislative changes, and an online platform was developed to share resources on social dialogue, decent work, and gender equality.
The project achieved significant outcomes, including improved social dialogue and cooperation. It increased the competence of trade union representatives in negotiations and raised public awareness of the benefits of social dialogue and collective bargaining agreements among employers and employees. The project also positively influenced the perception of Region Gdański NSZZ "Solidarność" among other trade union organizations, showcasing its commitment to improving social dialogue and working conditions in Poland.
Overall, the project played a crucial role in promoting social dialogue in Poland, contributing to the country''s socio-economic development and political democracy. It highlighted the importance of collective bargaining and the need for strong, representative social partners to achieve sustainable development and decent work conditions. The primary beneficiaries were trade union representatives, employers, and employees who gained knowledge and tools to enhance social dialogue and cooperation in their respective sectors.