Social Partnership and New Forms of Employment Discussed by Russian and Belarusian Trade Unions in Minsk
The development of the regulatory and legal framework, the creation of a unified legal information system, and other integration processes became key topics of discussion at the Standing Seminar of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union of Belarus and Russia on the Construction of the Union State, held on July 10–11 in Minsk. This marks the 80th session of the seminar.
“An analysis and comparison of international experience shows that without a systemic social dialogue, it is impossible to ensure the continuous improvement of legislation and practical approaches in the social and labor sphere. The proposals put forward by trade unions regarding the development of labor legislation are based on the practice of collective bargaining and contractual regulation,” said Yuri Senko, Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus, in his address.
In his speech, the trade union leader emphasized the importance of understanding that agreements at various levels and the overall system of social partnership also contribute to addressing the challenges faced by employers, the social and labor sphere, and the state as a whole.
He highlighted the active role of trade unions in the legislative process, noting that representatives of the Federation of Trade Unions are members of the working group on amendments to the Labour Code, promote the concept of mentorship, and advocate for its formal recognition at the legislative level.
Significant attention during the session was devoted to issues of the platform economy and new and non-standard forms of employment. The level of worker involvement in the platform economy differs between Russia and Belarus, yet trade unions in both countries recognize the importance of these developments for their members and for the labor market as a whole.
“We understand the need to look ahead. That is why we are studying the experience of our international colleagues.
In particular, in May of this year, the platform economy and its impact on the labor market were discussed at the Forum of Trade Union Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Countries, which took place in Beijing.
There is an agreement to explore China’s experience in more depth, and we are working on this today in cooperation with our International Trade Union University ‘MITSO’,” Yuri Senko noted.
GCTU News
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Viktor Pinsky: GCTU Should Play a Leading Role in Organizing Trade Union Education in the CIS
Viktor Pinsky, Secretary General of the General Confederation of Trade Unions (GCTU), believes that the GCTU should take a leading role in developing a system for training, retraining, and upgrading the skills of personnel, exchanging experiences, and educating leaders and trade union activists across the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
"We already have successful experience in organizing trade union education. This year over 400 people from six countries participated in the GCTU’s first two educational programs. The idea to launch such programs came directly from the requests of our member organizations. Internships are another in-demand format, especially among young people. They provide an opportunity to personally visit international organizations and see their work from the inside," said Viktor Pinsky.
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For trade unions, March 8 is not just a day of spring and renewal.
For trade unions, March 8 is not just a day of spring and renewal.
For trade unions, March 8 is not merely a day of spring and renewal. Above all, it is an opportunity to once again reflect on the role of women in the world of work and in global development as a whole. Today, women perform 55% of the world’s total labor. They work longer hours than men—by 6 to 13 hours per week—and still earn less: on average, women’s wages amount to 66–84% of men’s wages, depending on the country. There is objective evidence that the more a country values women’s labor and the smaller the gender pay gap, the more developed its economy. A special issue is the “invisibility” of women’s domestic and, as experts call it, reproductive labor. This is why trade unions should continue to fight for justice for working women.
I congratulate all women of the CIS, my colleagues in the parliamentary corps, and women in trade unions on International Women’s Day. I wish you justice, decent work, success, and prosperity!
Viktor Pinsky
General Secretary of the General Confederation of Trade Unions, Member of the State Duma
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General Confederation of Trade Unions Proposes Securing Trade Union Rights in Enterprise Bankruptcy
General Confederation of Trade Unions Proposes Securing Trade Union Rights in Enterprise Bankruptcy
The General Confederation of Trade Unions’ (GCTU) proposals are reflected in the draft CIS model law “On Cross-Border Insolvency and Bankruptcy.”
Trade unions must have the right to represent and protect workers’ interests in the bankruptcy of international companies, according to Viktor Pinsky, Member of the State Duma of the Russian Federation and General Secretary of the GCTU.