Social Dialogue
It is essential that both employers and employees work together towards a common goal. This is where social dialogue comes in. Social dialogue is a process of negotiation and discussion between employers, employees and their representatives, usually involving trade unions and employer associations, with the aim of reaching agreements or solving labour-related issues.
European Social Dialogue
The European Union has established the European Social Dialogue as a platform for dialogue and cooperation between the social partners at European level. The European Social Dialogue is designed to involve employers and employees in the development of EU policies and to encourage them to take joint responsibility for the implementation of these formulated policies at national level.
Social dialogue is an important part of the EU’s social model and is based on the principles of consultation, negotiation and participation. It plays an essential role in promoting social justice, creating decent work and ensuring economic growth that is both sustainable and inclusive.
The European Social Dialogue covers a range of areas, including employment and labour market policies, social protection and social inclusion, skills and qualifications and health and safety. The social partners involved in the European Social Dialogue include the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), the Confederation of European Business (BUSINESSEUROPE) and the European Centre of Employers and Enterprises (CEEP).
Examples of Social Dialogue in action
One example of the European Social Dialogue in action is the agreement on the European Social Fund. This agreement provides a framework for cooperation between the EU, the EU Member States and social partners in order to promote better employment, increasing social inclusion and education/training.
Another example of the European Social Dialogue in action is the agreement on the promotion of a culture of health and safety at work. This agreement improves cooperation between social partners and national authorities.
The European Social Dialogue is not the only form of social dialogue. At national level, social dialogue takes place between the social partners in each Member State. The social partners are represented by trade unions and employers’ associations. The objective of national social dialogue is to establish and maintain good relations between employers and employees. Next to that is a destined goal is to reach agreements on a range of labour-related issues.
In conclusion, social dialogue is an essential process in promoting social justice, decent work and sustainable economic growth. The European Social Dialogue has been established to promote cooperation and consultation between the social partners at EU level. This platform allows social partners to be involved in the development and implementation of EU policies.
Social Dialogue as method to addressing skills and labour shortages
Social dialogue is essential in addressing the challenges of skills and labour shortages. In this regard, the INTEL project conducted a report on labour and skills shortages in the private security services market. The report outlines the extent of the problem and identifies some of the key skills and competences that are currently lacking in the private security sector. The report concludes with a number of recommendations for addressing the skills and labour shortages in the private security sector.
You can read the report here: