Mr. Irakli Petriashvili, the GTUC President (Four from left)

KOBULETI-Georgian Trade Union Confederation (GTUC) launched a new program for the promotion and the ratification of ILO Conventions for the period 2013-2017 and strengthening social dialogue.

According to Mr. Irakli Petriashvili, the GTUC President, “the promotion of international labour standards is pivotal of civil society development in general and for achieving the trade unions’ goals”.

“The GTUC will initiate and promote ratification of the ILO Conventions on Maternity Protection (C 183), Safety and Health in Mines (C 176), Workers with Family Responsibilities (C 156) and Social Security (C 102)”, he added during the 12th Congress of GTUC* which was held from 20-21 September in Kobuleti, Georgia.

In this process, the ILO Bureau for Workers Activities (ACTRAV) will support the GTUC for the implementation and application of ILO’ standards in the country.“Georgia has always been and remains in the main focus of ACTRAV and has been one of the target countries during the last years”, said Sergeyus Glovackas, ACTRAV’s regional specialist in workers activities from Moscow. “With the assistance of ACTRAV in 2013, GTUC prepared information and educational strategy on promotion of workers' and Trade Unions’ members' rights”.

Social Dialogue: A new start in Georgia

With regard to strengthening social dialogue in Georgia, the Tripartite Social Partnership Commission (TSPC) is operational to help government and social partners in order to promote collective bargaining at the company and sector levels.

Ms. Maria Helena ANDRE, Director of ACTRAV (second from the right)

“The GTUC is looking forward to the resumption of the work within the Tripartite Social Partnership Commission (TSPC). This is especially important in view of the changes made to the charter of the TSPC which will be chaired now by the Prime-minister. This is an important development, as it will give the social partners the opportunity to raise their concerns directly with the highest level of the government”, explained Irakli Petriashvili.

“The GTUC is going to initiate several proposals regarding strengthening social dialogue on a bipartite level as well in order to promote collective bargaining at the company and sector levels”, concluded Mr. Petriashvili.

* 176 delegates and more than 40 international guests including the Director of ACTRAV, Maria Helena ANDRE, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Deputy General Secretary, Jaap Wienen and governments’ and employers representatives participated In the 12th Congress of GTUC.


For additional information please contact:

Mr. Sergeyus Glovackas
Senior specialist on Workers” Activities,
International Labour Office, Decent Work Team Mocow
Email: glovackas[at]ilo.org
Tel: +7 495 933 08 24