TH sector is one of the largest and most dynamic growth industries in today’s global economy. However, this sector is often characterized by many problems and difficult working conditions. To continue its sustainable growth for the benefit of employers, workers and the world economy, the problems should be taken into account. This project will address them, particularly through social dialogue that builds on openness, trust and the involvement of the main stakeholders. Within this project social partners at national level will be informed about the importance of the European level social dialogue where their voice can be heard by the national and European authorities.

As the most meaningful form of SD within one country is collective bargaining, we would like to pass on knowledge of collective bargaining and collective agreements and present their role in the transposition of Union law into national laws. In times of economic crisis, when the social dialogue is on probation, building a confidence is the most appropriate way to address the current problems.

Objectives of the project:

• Strengthen the capacity of social partners in the participating countries to contribute to national and European SD;
• Making the negotiators at the sectoral level acquainted with the relevant content of the collective agreement and instruct them on techniques/skills of negotiations in order to further develop and strengthen the SD, which is essential for achieving long-term prosperity and social peace;
• Examine the feasibility of adaptation and implementation of the Acquis Communautaire (EU law as well as European standards);
• Examine the idea of European Qualifications and Skills’ Passport as well as the feasibility of its implementation in each participating countriesa;
• Increasing the awareness and understanding of national employers and workers representatives of European (Sectoral) SD and the fact that it is a level where the voice of national social partners and sectors can be heard in order to increase employment and remain competitive;
• Adaptation of SD to changes in employment and work related challenges, such as the modernisation of the labour market, flexicurity, skills and qualifications, quality of work and decent work.

Project partnership:

Employers’ organisations:

• HUP – Croatian Employers’ Association
• BCM - Business Confederation of Macedonia
• UPCG - Montenegrin Employers’ Federation
• UPS – Serbian Association of Employers

Trade unions:

• SGITS – Slovenian Trade union for hospitality and tourism sector
• STUH - Tourism and Services Trade Union of Croatia
• CCM – Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia
• TCM - Trade Union of Tourism and Catering of Montenegro
• ATUTCS - Autonomous Trade Union of Tourism and Catering of Serbia
• VISZ – Hungarian Trade Union of Hotel, Catering and Tourism

European sectoral social partner:

• EFFAT – European Federation of Food, Agriculture and Tourism Workers

ZDS will together with project partners organise/create:

• Bilateral meetings between project experts to discuss a set of tailor-made solutions;
• Panel discussions on state of play of social dialogue in the TH sector and in general, as well as on the modernisation of labour markets in all SEE partner countries;
• Study tour to Brussels;
• E-Leaflets on the (European) social dialogue and project activities;
• Partner meetings to report on implemented national activities;
• National workshops in participating countries to identify solutions needed for the TH sector, challenges of the sector, feasibility of Passports and for training the negotiators;
• Publication on social dialogue and collective bargaining;
• Final conference on social dialogue in the TH sector on European and national level;
• Websites on (European) social dialogue, changes in employment and work, modernisation of labour market, etc.

With financial support by the European Union.