Social Dialogue and Decent Work in Latvia

Project facts

Project promoter:
Latvian Builders Trade Union (LCA)
Project Number:
IN22-0034
Target groups
Civil servants/Public administration staff
Status:
Completed
Initial project cost:
€53,536
Final project cost:
€53,538
From Norway Grants:
€ 48,144
The project is carried out in:
Latvia

More information

Description

The project objective is to enhance the understanding and the benefits of decent work. In close cooperation with the project partners, the Latvian Builders Trade union will inform Latvian employees and employers about working conditions, legislation and health and safety issues in Latvia and Norway. The objective of the project is raised awareness on occupational health and safety practices, and a decrease in accidents by 25% at the workplaces concerned. Furthermore, the project addresses problems related to encouraging employers and trade unions to reach conclusions on common issues that could lead to increased stability in the construction sector. The project is expected to initiate the collaboration between the social partners. The action will unite and lead to collective labor agreements. The project has two partners: the Latvian Builders association and the United Federation of Trade Unions (Fellesforbundet). The cooperation further develops international cooperation, which helps solve the problems for Latvian employees working abroad.

Summary of project results

The construction industry is related to one of the largest risks of unregistered employment and envelope wages, leading position in the number of accidents and in terms of work safety violations – it all results in the low prestige of construction sector in Latvia. The objective of the project is raised awareness on occupational health and safety practices in Latvia. The main activities performed during the project implementation were related to: - 15 meetings on social dialogue, vocational training and collective bargaining were conducted; - 3 regional seminars conducted; - 5 workshops with employer organizations and public authorities were organized. The project outputs are the following: - More than 370 participants aware on labour law related to social dialogue, vocational training, collective bargaining and employment; - More than 100 young people aware on the decent work issues in the construction sector in Latvia; - 1500 posters, 1500 leaflets; - 2 video materials on social dialogue produced; - 13 publications in local media; - General agreement for cooperation in the construction industry signed between the Latvian Builders Trade Union (LCA) and the Latvian Builders Association (LBA). The social dialogue between the LCA and the LBA strengthened and the project activities has also continued after the implementation period of the project by jointly reviewing and providing/promoting common legislative proposals and initiatives, such as builders’ ID cards or solidary liability in the construction industry. During this time other social partners also became active and interested in further cooperation.

Summary of bilateral results

The involvement of the Norwegian partner, Fellesburdet, in the project has been of a crucial importance. The partner has contributed with its expertise and competence in the vocational training and development of the startegy.