The event was organized at the initiative of the Pan-European Regional Council of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-PERC) at the Institute of Labour of the National Confederation of Trade Unions of Moldova. The ILO Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV) and the ILO project “From the crisis towards decent and safe jobs” also provided support.
“The seminar’s goal is to share results in protection of workers’ rights and interests Moldova’s trade unions have achieved on the European path to development,” President of the National Confederation of Trade Unions of Moldova Oleg Budza said.
Participants in the seminar discussed “mother and child health related issues, benefits package for women, all forms and manifestations of discrimination against women as well as promotion of women to top positions,” chair of the Women Council of the National Confederation of Trade Unions of Moldova Luba Rotaru said.
Delegations of women trade unionists from three countries of Central Asia – Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan –attended the seminar. The delegations were led by deputy chair of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan Gulnara Zhumageldiyeva, deputy chair of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Tajikistan Markhabo Saidova and deputy chair of the Federation of Trade Unions of Kyrgyzstan Rysgul Babayeva.
The seminar also focused on social partnership mechanisms, strategies and methods of conducting collective bargaining negotiation, reasons of and possible solutions to labour disputes, promotion of employment for women, gender aspects of collective bargaining agreements as well as motivation and participation of women in trade union activity.
On February 24, ITIC-PERC Adviser and women network coordinator Olga Nocolae moderated discussion on collective bargaining process, collective bargaining agreement items and inclusion of the ILO conventions’ main provisions into collective bargaining agreements. Knowledge gained at the seminar was solidified through practical exercise to simulate social dialogue at different industries.
On February 26, ILO Moscow Senior Specialist in Workers’ Activities Sergeyus Glovackas made a presentation on trade union movement in Central Asian countries and on trade unions’ objectives in terms of promoting the ILO conventions.
The seminar concluded with a roundtable meeting on February 27 to exchange best practices. Members of the Women Council of the National Confederation of Trade Unions of Moldova participated to discuss trade union strategies for the creation of equal opportunities for women.
Women trade unionists expressed their intention to strengthen ties among federations of trade unions through stronger cooperation and exchange of experience. Next meeting of the subregional women network will take place in September this year in Georgia.