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Description
The main outcome of the project was a public policy aimed at introducing ID card for construction workers, as a tool to combat undeclared work, social dumping and unfair competition in the industry. The importance of this public policy was promoted through an information and awareness campaign among the social partners in Romanian construction industry.
The project explored the introduction of ID cards for construction workers as a tool to detect and prevent undeclared work, identify employees on construction sites, facilitate the registration of training and work experience, and provide information related to workers'' income and contributions to the public budget. Nearly 300 participants from trade unions, employers’ organizations, and public institutions attended six training sessions nationwide to increase awareness and knowledge about decent work.
FGS FAMILIA collaborated with the Romanian Federation of Employers of Construction Companies and the Norwegian United Federation of Trade Unions (Fellesforbundet) to hold consultation sessions and conduct diagnostic research on the construction industry''s challenges. The project also included a comparative study on the use of social cards across 11 European countries. These studies formed the basis for an action plan, now part of a memorandum awaiting the Romanian Prime Minister’s signature to become law.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several challenges in Romania''s construction industry, including low wages, a significant level of undeclared work, unfair competition in workforce recruitment, and issues related to social dumping. Despite improvements in working conditions due to privatization, restructuring, and EU legislation, these challenges persisted.
The project explored the introduction of ID cards for construction workers. These ID cards were intended to detect and prevent undeclared work, identify employees on construction sites, facilitate the registration of training and work experience, and provide information on workers'' income and contributions to the public budget. The project included six nationwide training sessions attended by nearly 300 participants from trade unions, employers’ organizations, and public institutions to raise awareness about decent work. Additionally, FGS FAMILIA collaborated with various stakeholders to conduct diagnostic research and a comparative study on social cards across 11 European countries. These efforts culminated in an action plan, now part of a memorandum awaiting the Romanian Prime Minister’s signature.
The project achieved significant recognition from international bodies, including the International Labour Organization, and was discussed at the International Labour Conference in 2022. Although the ID cards were not produced during the project, it laid a solid foundation for their future implementation. The project inspired better working conditions for construction workers in Romania and enhanced social dialogue between Romanian employers’ and employees’ organizations. It also strengthened cooperation between Romanian partners and the Norwegian partner, Fellesforbundet, facilitating the exchange and transfer of best practices. The primary beneficiaries of the project were construction workers in Romania, who stand to benefit from improved working conditions and increased awareness of decent work principles.
Summary of bilateral results
The cooperation with the Norwegian partner Fellesforbuned included the exchange og best practices about implementing an ID card scheme and recommendations for a smoother process and dialogue with interested parties.