Flexicurity for enhancing tripartite social dialogue in Estonia

About this project

<p>The project contributed to strengthen tripartite social dialogue and its effect on future new collective agreements by deriving from the flexicurity approach - finding the balance between flexibility and security in social dialogue, focusing mainly on sectoral level. The aim was to improve cooperation between workers, employers, and the government to achieve better labour market conditions.</p> <p>Main goals:</p> <ol> <li>Establishing regular tripartite meetings and training seminars.</li> <li>Increasing trust between social partners</li> <li>More sector-based collective agreements&nbsp;through tripartite social dialogue.</li> <li>Submitting recommendations to the Ministry of Social Affairs</li> </ol> <p>Key activities</p> <ul> <li>Mapping the needs in tripartite social dialogue through surveys</li> <li>Learning about the Norwegian system for collective agreements and best practices</li> <li>Development of training videos covering topics as flexicurity, social dialogue, and collective bargaining</li> <li>Seminars focusing on best practices for flexicurity in collective agreements.</li> <li>Selecting a sector for a supported collective bargaining process.</li> <li>Assessing the project's impact on collaboration and trust.</li> </ul> <p>Results</p> <ul> <li>Regular tripartite meetings that have continued through three different governments.</li> <li>Number of agreements and regulatory amendments achieved through constructive dialogue.</li> <li>Goodwill agreement on flexible working hours in retail, laying the foundation for further negotiations on minimum pay.</li> <li>Memorandum on retraining and creating replacement jobs in East-Virumaa</li> <li>Sectoral negotiations and collective agreements in healthcare and transport</li> </ul> <p>The project has incentivised increased cooperation with employers, especially during economic crises. While some employers remain reluctant to accept the role of trade unions, positive examples from employer organisations and their affiliates may help change attitudes. Continued practice of tripartite social dialogue by the government is crucial for future success.</p>

Bilateral cooperation results

The Norwegian partner organised a study trip and contributed with knowledge about social dialogue and collective bargaining practices in Norway.

Project partners

• Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions Donor project partner· Norway
• Estonian Employers’ Confederation Project partner· Estonia