The Confederation of Trade Unions (SSCG), with the support of the European Union through the SOCIEUX+ program, has begun an intensive process of strengthening capacities for participation in social dialogue and amendments to labor legislation, with the aim of more professional and stronger representation of workers' interests in key tripartite and legislative bodies.
For the second day, SSCG members are participating in workshops implemented within the SOCIEUX+ program, a technical assistance program established by the European Union. SSCG is a partner organization and the main beneficiary of the project entitled Strengthening the Capacity of SSCG Representatives in Social Dialogue and Working Groups for Legislative Amendments.
This is the third activity within the broader initiative Developing a Structured Framework for Research, Advocacy and Social Dialogue within the SSCG, which aims to improve the institutional capacities of the Alliance in the social dialogue process.
“Two experts from EU member states were engaged as part of this mission, a senior civil servant in the French public sector and an expert in labor relations and management, Erik Forens, and a social advisor for labor issues at the Labor Court in Belgium and an expert in labor legislation and research, Spero Homey.
The SSCG said that this mission provided an exceptional opportunity to develop a strategy for more efficient representation of the interests of workers and the organization itself in working groups and tripartite bodies, which should result in the formation of a Research and Advocacy Unit within the SSCG.
Forens stated that SSCG is one of the key partners in social dialogue in Montenegro.
"Their commitment and clearly expressed need for professionalization, with the aim of strengthening capacities with the help of adequate tools and effective methodology, are an indicator that social dialogue has a future," said Forens.
A similar opinion is shared by Homey, who emphasized that the established reference framework, adapted methodology and tools will further strengthen the role of the SSCG, its proven practice and experience of structured social dialogue, based on scientific research and advocacy that reflects the interests of workers and contributes to democratic governance.
The SSCG reminded that social dialogue is continuously developing, and that transition processes - from climate change to digitalization - are expanding its importance to areas where it was previously not sufficiently represented.
"Strengthening the capacities of our representatives, and thus the entire organization, for effective participation in social dialogue, especially in the context of current changes in labor legislation and negotiations within the EU accession process, is one of our priorities. We are pleased that the SOCIEUX+ program has recognized this and provided concrete expert support," said the SSCG.
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