Discussion provides valuable insights for improving labour rights compliance in Armenia

The presentation and discussion was organized by the International Labour Organization's (ILO) "Promoting Implementation of Labour Rights in Armenia Together" project and the Business Support Center. The event provided valuable insights for improving labour rights compliance across Armenia. It also explores potential new strategies to enhance adherence to International Labour Standards (ILS) and Armenian labour legislation in support of sustainable businesses.

The research focused on the compliance systems utilized by companies within the mining and service provision sectors. The authors looked into the current state of the ILS compliance and the primary hurdles obstructing sustainable entrepreneurship within these companies. Challenges identified include deficiencies in management effectiveness, low levels of awareness among companies, legislative complexities, the efficacy of public-private sector collaboration, protection of workers’ rights, etc.

In light of these findings, the research proposes several recommendations aimed at public sector entities, international organizations, and business and labour unions. Firstly, there is a pressing need to bolster existing partnerships between the government, employers, and workers, alongside comprehensive efforts in awareness-raising and capacity-building initiatives within private sector entities. Secondly, a pivotal focus should be placed on enhancing the effectiveness of social dialogue, positioning it as a cornerstone for support provision by international organizations. Lastly, initiatives centered around raising awareness and building capacity within companies, coupled with the establishment of collaborative platforms among employers, are crucial in harnessing their collective expertise. This entails the provision of training, capacity-building resources, and fostering vital dialogue among diverse stakeholders to foster a conducive environment for sustainable entrepreneurship at last contributing to better compliance to international labour standards.

The research was carried out by the Business Support Center within the framework of the ILO PILRAT project, at the suggestion of the Republican Union of Employers of Armenia (RUEA).

“I would like to assure our tripartite constituents that the ILO is fully committed to work with them in improving compliance and bringing closer the current systems and tools in Armenia to the International Labour Standards. I would like to thank the US Department of Labour and the Project team for their support in our common objective to advance decent work in Armenia”,- said ILO's national coordinator in Armenia Nune Hovhannisyan.

“This report represents a significant milestone in our collective efforts to promote sustainable and equitable labour practices in Armenia. The report hopefully will serve as a desk guide for all of us to work together for bridging the gaps”, noted Nver Sargsyan, ILO Project Coordinator.

The “Promoting Implementation of Labour Rights in Armenia Together” project, implemented by the ILO and financed by the US Department of Labour (USDoL), strives to strengthen compliance with labour legislation and increase access to judicial and non-judicial remedies in Armenia.