Better working conditions through social dialogue in public sector.

About this project

<p>The project developped partnership between employees and employers in local municipalities and raised the competence of social partners.&nbsp; Activities included two conferences with partners in the labour market from four cities/municipalities including politicians and a visit to Norwegian partners, with the aim to improve knowledge on social dialogue and methods of collaboration, both at the national and local level.&nbsp;</p> <p>The project was set against the backdrop of a significant municipal structural reform in Estonia, which saw the number of municipalities reduced by nearly two-thirds. This reform highlighted the need for stronger social dialogue, as the involvement of social partners in reforms and policies remains limited, and trade union coverage is low.</p> <p>The project sought to foster bipartite cooperation between ROTAL and the Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities (AECM). The Norwegian Union of Municipal and General Employees (Fagforbundet) and the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS) provided valuable insights and experience, drawing from their successful social dialogue practices at the municipal level in Norway.&nbsp;</p> <p>The overall goal was to achieve better working conditions through enhanced social dialogue in the public sector. This included improving understanding of the benefits of social dialogue, establishing better systems for fair pay, and raising the competence of social partners. The project also aimed to create a network for sharing and learning among municipalities, document the need for strong organizations, and recruit more members through public campaigns.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

Bilateral cooperation results

The Norwegian partner shared knowledge and experience with social dialogue, and the project promoter highligthed that they learned how to find opportunities and improve working conditions in the social field through social dialogue. The Norwegien partner organised a study visit to Norway and they participated in the final conference.

Project partners

• Norwegian Union of Municipal and General Employees Donor project partner· Norway