Official mission to Georgia
The ILO Moscow Office has just completed an official visit to Georgia that took place in Tbilisi from 22-26 July. The delegation comprised Mrs Pauline Barrett-Reid, Director, Mr. Sten Petersen, Senior Specialist on Workers Activities, and Mrs Olga Mzhavanadze Country Officer. The purpose of the mission was to meet all tripartite constituents and discuss progress and priorities of the 2002-2003 Programme of Technical Cooperation.
26 July 2002
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A series of highly interesting and informative meetings took place with the Minister of Labour, Health and Social Affairs, Mr. Amiran Gamkrelidze, Deputy Minister Mrs Manoni Khachidze and Heads of Departments; the Minister for Urbanization and Construction, Mr. Merab Chkhenkeli; and, Deputy State Minister Mr. Akaki Zoidze. A courtesy call was paid on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where the delegation was received by Mr. Shota Dogonadze, Deputy Minister.
A visit was paid to the Parliament and discussions were held with Mr. Zezva Gugunishvili, the Chairman of the Committee on Health Care and Social Issues on possible future support by the ILO to the Parliamentary Committee.
There was a constructive meeting with the Georgian Trade Unions Amalgamation, which was headed by Mr. Irakli Tugushi. Mr. Petersen then spent a day with sectoral unions discussing matters of current interest. It was possible to meet three employer associations - the Entrepreneurs Union of Georgia, the American Chamber of Commerce in Georgia and the Georgian Employers Union. The employers kindly arranged visits to some SME enterprises. And, finally it was possible to visit a women’s’ NGO ТWomen’s CentreУ headed by Ms. Ia Verulashvili.
There were six common themes during discussions with all constituents. ILO support on revision of the Labour Code and implementation of Convention 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour. The importance of sustainable employment, the development of SME’s, a vibrant employment service and the need for retraining. Support on pension reform and the necessity for independent labour and occupational health inspection. The need to strengthen tripartism and social dialogue through work with the trade unions and employer associations as well involvement in tripartite projects such as plans for tripartite working on HIV/AIDS at the work place and gender equality with special reference to decent employment.
And, it was possible during this hectic schedule for the delegation to visit some of the historical sites of Tblisi, sample some of the excellent wine and food, which make up the reputation that Georgia has for its hospitality. The delegation wishes to place on the record its thanks to the government, trade unions and employers.
A visit was paid to the Parliament and discussions were held with Mr. Zezva Gugunishvili, the Chairman of the Committee on Health Care and Social Issues on possible future support by the ILO to the Parliamentary Committee.
There was a constructive meeting with the Georgian Trade Unions Amalgamation, which was headed by Mr. Irakli Tugushi. Mr. Petersen then spent a day with sectoral unions discussing matters of current interest. It was possible to meet three employer associations - the Entrepreneurs Union of Georgia, the American Chamber of Commerce in Georgia and the Georgian Employers Union. The employers kindly arranged visits to some SME enterprises. And, finally it was possible to visit a women’s’ NGO ТWomen’s CentreУ headed by Ms. Ia Verulashvili.
There were six common themes during discussions with all constituents. ILO support on revision of the Labour Code and implementation of Convention 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour. The importance of sustainable employment, the development of SME’s, a vibrant employment service and the need for retraining. Support on pension reform and the necessity for independent labour and occupational health inspection. The need to strengthen tripartism and social dialogue through work with the trade unions and employer associations as well involvement in tripartite projects such as plans for tripartite working on HIV/AIDS at the work place and gender equality with special reference to decent employment.
And, it was possible during this hectic schedule for the delegation to visit some of the historical sites of Tblisi, sample some of the excellent wine and food, which make up the reputation that Georgia has for its hospitality. The delegation wishes to place on the record its thanks to the government, trade unions and employers.