The first national seminar on tripartism and the role and functioning of tripartite bodies, organised by the ILO-CEET in co-operation with the Latvian Ministry of Welfare and the social partners, took place in Riga on 21 May 1997. Representatives from all major trade unions and employers� associations participated in the conference. The seminar was opened by Mr. Makarovs, the Minister of Welfare.

The seminar tackled topics at the core of current reforms in labour law and industrial relations, notably the role of the parties in industrial relations, the role and functioning of tripartite bodies, and representation of trade unions and employers� organisations in national tripartite bodies. The experiences and trends in tripartite consultation in Latvia were extensively discussed from the points of view of the trade unions, the employers� organisations, and the government.

The seminar provided the participants with a unique opportunity to learn from international experience by exposure to and discussions with the experts from the ILO-CEET. GC