Description
This project was a continuation of the project “Social dialogue - key to development” which built trade union capacity on social dialogue through training and strengthened cooperation between Polish employers and trade unions. The second phase of the project continued to strengthen social dialogue and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) through capacity-building, based on a comparative analysis of the legal solutions in Norway, Poland and selected European countries.
The project responded to a clear challenge in Poland, where there is strong need for increasing the collective bargaining agreement coverage, which is also important for the implementation of EU legislation in the labour market. This project contributed to increasing knowledge about CBAs and raise the trade unions capacity to negotiate such agreements.
There was no formal Norwegian partner in the project, but close contacts were established during the first edition with LO Norway, who continued to share their knowledge and experience on an informal basis.
The following activities were carried out:
1. Comparative analysis of solutions and legal provisions in collective bargaining agreements in selected countries, three online expert debates, an analysis of CBAs concluded in selected workplaces in the Gdansk region, all to be presented in a publication.
2. Dissemination, including the project website, a database of Q&As, newsletters, social media, radio broadcasts, a film, thematic articles, and a closing conference for 200 people.
3. Training on cooperation between the employer and trade unions under individual and collective labour law, for a total of 60 persons.
Summary of project results
There was a need to strengthen social dialogue between employers and trade unions to improve working conditions and economic stability. The project also aimed to align with the EU directive on the European minimum wage, which requires countries to increase collective bargaining agreements (CBA) coverage. Additionally, it sought to address legal and structural barriers that hinder the increase in union membership and the conclusion of CBAs.
The project conducted a comparative analysis of legal provisions and solutions regarding CBAs in Poland, Norway, and selected EU countries. This included three online expert debates and an analysis of CBAs in selected workplaces in the Gdansk region. Dissemination efforts included developing a project website, a database of Q&As, newsletters, social media campaigns, radio broadcasts, a film, thematic articles, and organising a closing conference. Training was provided on cooperation between employers and trade unions under individual and collective labour law. Additionally, a publication summarising the analysis and proposing legislative changes to improve union membership and CBA coverage was produced.
It enhanced the capacity of trade unions to engage in social dialogue and negotiate CBAs. Beneficiaries, including trade union representatives and employers, gained knowledge and skills in collective bargaining and social dialogue. Awareness about the importance of social dialogue and CBAs was raised among a wider audience through dissemination activities. The primary beneficiaries were trade union representatives, employers, and employees in Poland, particularly in the Gdansk region.