Following an invitation to tender for co-financing the projects of social partners for the years 2013 and 2014 the Association of Employers of Slovenia (ZDS) was awarded the project entitled "Negotiation skills training – training of negotiators in collective bargaining" in August 2013. The project is aimed at strengthening the capacities of employers to comprehensively train the negotiators to take into account the importance of all categories of collective agreements in the conclusion of collective agreements and pursue the establishment of a flexible and competitive economy. The project partner is the Association of Free Trade Unions of Slovenia.

Project objectives
In the framework of the project a methodology has been designed for training of negotiators receiving a certificate (the concept of negotiation skills training) and a pilot training course has been conducted. The following specific objectives have been achieved:

• Inform the employer negotiators at sectoral and company levels of the appropriate content of the collective agreement to ensure its compliance with the law (legal bases);
• Inform the employer negotiators at sectoral and company levels of the economic bases for the evaluation and final identification of rights or obligations in collective agreements;
• Inform the employer negotiators at sectoral and company levels of the elements of quality work environment, their individualised adjustments under a collective agreement and building a health and safety culture;
• Instruct the employer negotiators at sectoral and company levels on negotiating techniques/skills so that the agreements made will contribute towards the further development and strengthening of social dialogue which is essential for achieving long-term prosperity and social peace.

Project activities

1. In cooperation with the project partner and international organisations a set of training courses has been provided within the framework of the training of negotiators.
2. A certificate of a skilled negotiator has been awarded on the employer side.
3. A club of certified/skilled negotiators has been set up providing discussions and sharing of opinions and experiences between the negotiators.
4. Evaluation of the negotiation skills training has been carried out.
5. Two study visits have been organised, i.e. with the representatives of BUSINESSEUROPE and the IOE.
6. A manual has been issued on collective bargaining bases, techniques and areas.
7. The final international event has been organised to introduce the project results and provide an opportunity for the participants to exchange international good practices and experiences as well as recommendations related to collective bargaining.
8. With a view to taking part in the life-long learning programme, the ZDS’s employees have attended training and education to acquire new skills and in-depth knowledge.
9. Information of the public has been carried out throughout the duration of the project.

The project is partly financed by the European Union, namely from the European Social Fund under the Operational Programme for Human Resources Development for 2007-2013, 1st priority axis: "Promoting entrepreneurship and adaptability", Priority 1.4: "Promotion of development of new employment opportunities".