Cluster seminar #3 on reinforcing social dialogue and industrial relations, Estonia, Latvia, Denmark and Spain, 2 December 2020
Background
As stated in the European social dialogue work programme 2019-2021, capacity-building activities remain a priority for the European social partners. BusinessEurope, CEEP, SMEunited and ETUC are committed to discuss further the interplay between the European and national social dialogues, the needs and challenges of social partners organisations in changing economies and societies, including capacity building, and the involvement of social partners in the EU economic governance process. This is also in line with the 27 June 2016 statement of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the European Commission and the European Social Partners on “A New Start For The Social Dialogue”. It has also become important to look at social dialogue in light of the current COVID crisis situation.
The European social partners aim to gather national social partners in cluster seminars to foster discussions and a better understanding of national situations and needs, the priorities for social dialogue at EU level, and the role and contribution of social partners at different levels. The seminars will also encourage learning between social partners on solutions and approaches to collective bargaining at national level.
Objectives of the seminar
- Present the latest outcomes of the European social dialogue and discuss with national affiliates;
- Take stock of relevant national developments in terms of collective bargaining, including in view of COVID;
- Further identify capacity building needs as a way to achieve strong, representative, autonomous and mandated social partners organisations with the capacities needed to negotiate, thereby improving governance and policy making outcomes;
- Monitor the implementation and follow-up of European social dialogue instruments and provide space for break-out discussions between social partners for each country;