It’s Time for Social Integration – How to Build up Social Dialogue in the Western Balkans

The event with around 100 participants was hosted with the support of the Austrian Trade Union Federation (ÖGB) and the Austrian Chamber of Labour (AK) at the remises of Austria’s Permanent Representation to the EU.

CETUN: Bringing a new dynamic to the region

In the first welcoming speech, Martin Hojni, the permanent Representative of Austria to the Political and Security Committee (PSC), emphasised the two interrelated pillars the evening was conceived around: social dialogue and the Western Balkans region. Hojni stressed that both were of great importance for Austria. Countries of the Western Balkans should get a seat at the table with social dialogue, as envisaged by CETUN, both a bridge and a prerequisite for deepening ties.

Monika Uhlerova, President of KOZ SR, the Confederation of Trade Unions of the Slovak Republic, reminded the audience of the common interests, understandings and values all trade unionist share. In addition to that, CETUN participants have an inherent interest in closer cooperation due to a whole set of issues specific to the region. Examples mentioned were the oftentimes lagging progress in social dialogue but also youth emigration. Trade unions are there to defend both workers’ and human rights. Some CETUN participants face the threat of democratic and rule of law institutions being eroded in their countries. Trade unions must take a stand against such developments.

The set of welcoming speeches was rounded off by Tea Jarc, Confederal Secretary of ETUC. In her current role, she covers various areas of particular relevance to CETUN, such as the reinforcement of collective bargaining, youth, cohesion policies as well as inter alia the enlargement process. Before that, Tea has already supported CETUN in her prior role at the Association of Free Trade Unions of Slovenia (ZSSS).

After attendees made good use of the interlude to mingle and converse, it was time for the keynote speech and transition to the scheduled panel discussion entitled „It’s Time for Social Integration – How to Build up Social Dialogue in the Western Balkans”.

The EU promise is closely linked to high collective agreement coverage and strong workers' representation

In his keynote speech, Wolfgang Katzian, President of ÖGB, emphasised that supra-regional trade union cooperation is more important than ever. With an open labour market and businesses operating across borders, workers and trade unions face new challenges that can only be addressed effectively through international trade union cooperation. In the Western Balkans, the expansion of social dialogue must become an integral part of the accession process. Local trade unions must be involved in every step. Together with colleagues on the ground, it must be ensured that enlargement is in the interest of workers. High collective agreement coverage and strong employee representation are prerequisites for higher wages and improved social conditions. They are the cornerstones of the hopes for prosperity as well as better life and working conditions associated with EU accession.  

Effective Social Dialogue must be a central concern in EU enlargement policy

The subsequent high-level panel discussion was moderated by Thomas Mayer of Der Standard, one of Austria’s leading daily newspapers. Čedanka Andric, President of the United Branch Trade Unions "Independence" (UGS Nezavisnost) was joined in conversation by Oliver Röpke, President of the European Social and Economic Committee (EESC), and Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights. In complementary statements, panellists shed light on the topic from their respective perspectives thus providing as complete a picture of a complex issue as possible.

For Nicolas Schmit, the topic of enlargement has returned to centre stage under the current Commission. A 6 billion euros Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans is being established. Before full accession, investments and a meaningful dialogue with civil society are crucial. Prior enlargements were sometimes unable to fulfil all the high expectations of populations in new EU member states. In the future, the social dimension must be given greater consideration during the process. Social rights must be respected in both the accession countries and the existing member states. The welfare state and its institutions must be protected and shall not be undermined by any renewed push for austerity measures.

Čedanka Andric drew attention to the fact that the Western Balkans region was neglected for a long time. The accession process was seen primarily as a technical and administrative task. However, a more holistic approach that takes into account wider institutional and societal factors would be more successful. Great efforts are still needed to strengthen labour and social rights, which unfortunately are not mentioned sufficiently in the growth plan. Progress in social dialogue should be judged based on actual results. Collective agreement coverage of 80 %, as stipulated in the minimum wage directive, must be emphasised as a goal. Trade unions in the region would appreciate greater involvement in the accession process. To assure the populations in candidate countries, which are typically also suffering from acute labour shortages, are on board with EU accession, the improvement of living standards must be a priority.

Oliver Röpke cautioned against an "all or nothing policy" when it comes to enlargement. The EESC is itself an active participant in the process. It is an ideal platform for the early involvement of civil society organisations and social partners from the candidate countries. Colleagues from candidate countries are already today actively involved in aspects of the EESC’s work. Overall, more room for manoeuvre is needed for civil society and social partners so that structures can be established at an early stage. Social criteria should be a central component of the accession requirements.