The international seminar about “Strengthening tripartite social dialogue and collective bargaining as a tool to deal with the cost-of-living crisis”, organized by the National Foundation „CORESI” and NTUC Cartel ALFA in partnership with EZA and funded by the European Union, took place between 11th and 14th of November 2024 in Predeal, Romania. The seminar was in a face-to-face format, with 46 participants.
The event brought together workers’ organisation’s representatives from Romania, Bulgaria, France, Moldova and Albania. Cartel ALFA’s President, Bogdan Iuliu Hossu, gave the opening remarks, weighing in through the seminar to offer his expertise on the cost-of-living crisis. Social dialogue partners from the business groups such as Adrian Rada (small and medium size enterprises) were present, as well as government officials – Francis Oscar Gal – State Secretary in the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
The agenda was followed according to the scheduled program and based on the participants’ feedback and questionnaires; the organization of the event was very satisfactory. At the same time presentations incited interest and a lot of debate, showing it was found meaningful and relevant for the activity of participants and their organizational projects. Every presentation encouraged an active and critical dialogue in which the participants were able to express their opinions and ask relevant questions.
During the last day of the seminar, the participants had the opportunity to visit the Prefecture of Brașov County where they met with various dignitaries and workers within its institutions, learning about how they use social dialogue to address the cost-of-living crisis. The seminar was a success with social dialogue partners exchanging good working practices, giving us confidence that future ones will also contribute beneficially to the development of industrial relations.
The topics that were discussed during the seminar were:
- Tripartite Social Dialogue – European-level negotiations
Participants discussed the role of European social dialogue in shaping policies that address cross-border labor issues, emphasizing collaboration between trade unions, employer organizations, and governments. Key topics included the harmonization of labor standards, tackling social inequalities, and responding to the cost-of-living crisis through European frameworks.
They highlighted successful cases where tripartite agreements at the EU level have influenced national policies effectively. Speakers were also critical regarding the recent surge in far right and populist politicians which may impact the quality of social dialogue at the EU level. Such worries were amplified by the participants in the room who identified unions as an avenue to combat such sentiments.
- Tripartite Social Dialogue – Sectoral and national-level negotiations
The panel explored how sector-specific and national-level tripartite negotiations address labor market challenges, including wage disparities and sectoral vulnerabilities. Business groups and trade unions shared best practices for fostering constructive dialogue and achieving mutually beneficial agreements. There was an emphasis on the importance of aligning national efforts with EU directives to ensure comprehensive and equitable policy outcomes.
The discussions focused on the recent success of the expansions of the sectoral collective agreement in banking erga omnes, a novelty for Romanian industrial relations. There were critical remarks with regards to the development of Law 367/2022 in Romania and the limitations in practice. The Moldovan and French counterparts offered their expertise on the recent trends in their respective countries. The Moldovan delegate exposed a vast description of proposed changes mandated by the accession to the European Union and the challenges and opportunities that come along with this process.
- Using collective bargaining to tackle to cost of living crisis
Discussions focused on the critical role of collective bargaining in securing fair wages and benefits to counteract the rising cost of living. Panellists presented examples of successful negotiations that led to living wage agreements or inflation-indexed wage increases. Trade unions argued in favour of strengthening of collective bargaining rights, while employer organizations discussed the need for balancing wage growth with business sustainability.
Marcel Spatari, expert Syndex Romania, offered a deep analysis of the recent changes in minimum wage policy at the national and EU level. He linked this to the need of covering decent living standards in line with the requirements of the EU directive.
- The national plan to promote collective bargaining – part of the EU directive on adequate minimum wages
Panellists analysed national strategies to enhance collective bargaining coverage, as required by the EU directive. Discussions focused on measures such as capacity-building for social partners, legislative reforms, and awareness campaigns. Trade unions emphasized importance of extending collective bargaining to vulnerable sectors, while business groups advocated for incentives to support voluntary compliance and smooth implementation.
The presentations and discussions focused on the EU directive and the steps that were taken by the countries in promoting labor relations. There was vast focus on the Romanian plan to promote collective bargaining, offering an exact timeline of the negotiations and a legal analysis of the proposed changes.
- Best practices in transposing the EU directive on adequate minimum wages in national legislation
This discussion centred on lessons learned from countries that have successfully incorporated the EU directive into their national laws. Participants reviewed effective legislative approaches, such as mechanisms for regularly updating minimum wages, ensuring coverage for all workers, and promoting social dialogue. Both trade unions and employer organizations highlighted collaborative approaches that have minimized conflict and ensured broad support for the changes.
The round-up for the conclusions of the three days of exchanges of ideas and best practices lead to a few points and directions for action:
Strengthened social dialogue: The seminar highlighted the importance of social dialogue at European, national, and sectoral levels to tackle the cost-of-living crisis. The discussions emphasized the role of unions as key actors in combating the rise of far-right and populist sentiments that can undermine the quality of social dialogue.
Collective bargaining as a key tool: Collective bargaining was reaffirmed as a critical mechanism to address wage disparities and secure fair wages, with examples of successful agreements, such as inflation indexed wages and living wage policies. The need to expand collective bargaining to vulnerable sectors was underlined, aligning with the requirements of the EU directive on adequate minimum wages.
European-level alignment: Harmonization of labor standards and practices with EU frameworks was recognized as essential for addressing cross-border labor issues and ensuring equitable policy outcomes.
The value of knowledge exchange: The seminar facilitated knowledge-sharing among trade union leaders, business representatives, and government officials, fostering a better understanding of diverse approaches to labor relations in different countries.