Stenbock House, 28 June 2019 – today, the first meeting between the government that took office in spring and the Estonian Trade Union Confederation and Estonian Employers’ Confederation took place at Stenbock House.
“The tripartite form of cooperation gives us the opportunity to discuss the challenges of the labour market together, seek compromises, and help to make the contribution of the government as efficient as possible. Therefore, the new government also intends to meet with representative organisations of employers and employees two or three times per year,” said Prime Minister Jüri Ratas.
The social partners discussed the issue of increasing lack of skilled workers, which also hinders the digitalisation of the industry. The need to increase the flexibility of the nature of work and working relationships was discussed as well as ways to better implement local employers – be it young people or passive unemployed persons.
Mailis Reps, Minister for Education and Research, introduced the situation of adult retraining. The participants of the meeting agreed that the role of universities in supporting innovation and digitalisation should increase significantly. Henry Kattago, Strategy Director at the Government Office, gave an overview of the half-year recommendations given to Estonia by the European Commission, where the importance of the education and training system in promoting innovation is also emphasised.
Among other things, the social partners expressed their wish to contribute to the discussion about Ida-Viru County. Sten Andreas Ehrlich, Deputy Secretary General on Labour and Employment Policy of Ministry of Social Affairs, introduced activities that should improve the labour market, for which the government also expects active participation from the social partners.
Tripartite meetings between the government and the Estonian Trade Union Confederation and Estonian Employers’ Confederation were restored in May last year. At the time, it was agreed that the meetings would take place several times per year. In addition to the prime minister, Mailis Reps, Minister of Education and Research, represented the government at today’s meeting.
The next tripartite meeting will take place in autumn.
Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/stenbockimaja/albums/72157709285749162