On March 26-27, the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) Northeast European Constituency Meeting was held in Vilnius. The meeting brought together public sector workers’ representatives from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Ukraine, Georgia, and Armenia.
The participants discussed challenges related to workers’ rights and future priorities in their respective countries.
The event was welcomed by the Chairwoman of the Lithuanian Industry Trade Union Federation (LPPSF), Dalia Jakutavičė.
“We understand that in places where trade unions are weak, the voices of workers are often weak as well. And where there is no strong social dialogue, conflicts, distrust, and even social instability arise. That is why our joint work within the EPSU network is critically important,” emphasized the LPPSF leader.
The discussion was also attended by Lithuania’s Minister of Social Security and Labour, Inga Ruginienė.
She noted that, as of April 1, a new Social Dialogue Department will be established at the Ministry of Social Security and Labour. This department will support the Tripartite Council in strengthening social dialogue and expanding the scope of collective agreements, with particular attention given to developing collective bargaining in the private sector.
According to the Minister, efforts will be made to grant additional points in public procurement to companies that have valid collective agreements. It is also important to create a free and efficient dispute resolution mechanism for civil servants.
“Europe must remain united – the values and guarantees we manage to preserve during these geopolitically challenging times will determine our future. Today, we must pursue two levels of security – social security within the country and external security, emphasizing Ukraine’s victory. If people do not feel safe and engaged in their country, investments in defense alone become fruitless,” I. Ruginienė stated.
The event was attended by the Acting Chairman of the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation (LPSK), Audrius Gelžinis. He spoke about the growing membership of the organization, which currently unites over 53,000 workers from various sectors.
He stated that membership growth and trade union strengthening are supported by the provisions of the National Collective Agreement (NKS) and the 0.6% income tax (GPM) support allocated by residents. A. Gelžinis also highlighted the work of Labour Dispute Commissions as an example of best practice.
However, he acknowledged existing challenges: the individualism of young workers, the low number of collective agreements, particularly in the private sector, the integration of migrants, the rights of platform workers, complex strike procedures, insufficient fines and sanctions for employers, and more.
Meanwhile, EPSU General Secretary Jan Willem Goudriaan highlighted the issues currently being addressed by the organization at the European level.
According to him, there is growing concern over restrictions on workers’ rights and democracy in Turkey and Hungary, the rise of far-right political forces in Europe, pressure on workers due to competitiveness, and the influence of oligarchs on political decisions.
EPSU is also actively engaged in decisions related to EU fiscal rules, public finances, and expenditures, fearing that increased defense spending could reduce public funds, potentially affecting the quality of public services and investments.
EPSU also participates in legislative processes that impact workers’ conditions, including the adoption and implementation of key EU directives on just transition, minimum wages, and the impact of artificial intelligence.
J.W. Goudriaan noted that on June 23, the United Nations Public Service Day, first proclaimed in 2003, will be celebrated. This day aims to remind people that democracy and successful governance are impossible without high-quality public services and to highlight their value and benefits to society. He encouraged organizations to commemorate the day.
The meeting participants expressed their support for colleagues in Georgia and Estonia, who are facing restrictions on workers’ and trade unions’ rights in the context of political changes.
