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24 October, 2024From 27 to 29 September, a workshop on developing social dialogue in Armenia brought together 30 leaders and activists from the industrial workers’ union, the electrical workers’ union, and the union representing workers in the mining, metallurgy, and jewellery sectors. The event provided a platform to address the growing challenges faced by unions in engaging employers and to explore solutions for improving labour relations across key industries.
Eduard Pakhlevanyan, chairman of the mining, metallurgy, and jewelry workers’ union, highlighted the increasing difficulty of initiating meaningful social dialogue with employers. According to Pakhlevanyan, many companies avoid discussions with unions, often citing operational challenges as the reason for their reluctance. One of the industry’s most pressing problems is the shortage of skilled workers, a challenge the Armenian government is attempting to address through agreements with major enterprises in the mining and metallurgy sectors. These agreements aim to prepare specialists for large companies, with the enterprises contributing financially to the training programs.
Karine Aloyan, chairperson of the electrical workers’ union, emphasized that the electrical sector is also facing significant difficulties. The number of workers continues to decline, and although renewable energy companies are creating some new jobs, these positions are too few to make a meaningful impact on the broader labour market. The renewable sector’s growth has not been able to absorb the workers displaced from traditional energy sectors, adding to the strain on the workforce.
In contrast, Aristakes Danielyan, chairman of the industrial workers’ union, noted that despite the many challenges, his union has managed to achieve notable successes. The union continues to expand its reach, organizing workers from several new enterprises and establishing member organizations. This persistence has allowed the union to grow, even in a tough labour environment where organizing efforts often face resistance.
Workshop participants also discussed the significant reforms within the Armenian labour movement, spearheaded by Elen Manaseryan since her election as president of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Armenia in November 2023. In just one year, Manaseryan achieved recognition for unions from both the government and employers, an important breakthrough for the labour movement. With support from the International Labour Organization (ILO),a tripartite commission resumed its work.
One of the key outcomes of this renewed dialogue was the establishment of an employers’ association in the mining and metallurgy sector, providing unions with a dedicated social partner for the first time in years. This development opens the door to the possibility of sectoral agreements, but union leaders at the workshop emphasized the need to wait until a General Agreement is signed by the Confederation of Trade Unions, which is expected by the end of 2024. Once the General Agreement is in place, sectoral agreements can follow, ensuring that the conditions negotiated are at least as favourable.
The workshop also discussed the global experiences in social dialogue and labour relations through presentations. It was stressed the importance of Global Framework Agreements, which allow unions to shift their focus beyond direct employers to the broader supply chain. With up to 95 percent of workers involved in global production located in supply chains rather than directly employed by brands, unions must expand their efforts to ensure fair labor practices at every stage of production.
Discussions during the workshop also addressed the growing role of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in shaping labour relations in Armenia. SDGs, introduced by international partners through technical assistance projects, are pushing enterprises to adopt sustainable practices. According to workshop participants, many companies have already begun setting up sustainable development departments. Unions are keen to use these new structures to advocate for workers’ interests, ensuring that they play an active role in social dialogue related to economic, social, and production issues.
Assistant general secretary Kemal Özkan said:
“Boosting the basics of industrial relations and social dialogue is critically important in Armenia. Together with their national confederation IndustriALL’s Armenian affiliates demonstrate strong will to improve working and living conditions in their country. IndustriALL will continue to give support and solidarity to its Armenian affiliates in this important way forward.”