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The European Federation of Building and Woodworkers (EFBWW) and the Latvian Forestry and Woodworkers Trade Union (LMNA) met yesterday with representatives of the Latvian Ministry of Agriculture and Latvijas Valsts Meži (LVM) to address growing concerns over the state of social dialogue and trade union rights in Latvia’s forestry sector.
Earlier this year, the EFBWW welcomed the establishment of a new trade union organisation uniting employees of LVM under the umbrella of the LMNA. This was seen as a positive step toward strengthening worker representation and advancing social dialogue practices in the sector.
However, in the following months, EFBWW received concerning information that the social dialogue had stalled and there were signs indicating obstruction of the trade union's work.
EFBWW General Secretary, Tom Deleu: “Today’s meeting was a good opportunity to take stock of the situation and address our concerns. We believe that a genuine and respectful social dialogue is the only way forward. Only through constructive cooperation can we talk about a sustainable future for the forestry sector, including progress toward high-quality jobs. The European Union has established standards for social dialogue, and social dialogue takes place between free and independent trade union organizations.”
Chairwoman of LMNA and Chairwoman of the EFBWW Wood Standing Committee: Kristīne Rapa: “All parties acknowledged the importance of social dialogue. We hold high expectations for Latvijas Valsts Meži, as a state-owned company, to fully uphold and respect workers’ social rights, and to actively engage with us in building a constructive social dialogue for the future. As a trade union, it is important to us how each of the approximately 40,000 people employed in the sector feels.”
An agreement was reached at the meeting for the next round of talks on October 3 at the Ministry of Agriculture, including the acceptance of the Ministry’s offer to act as a mediator in these discussions. Meanwhile, the European Federation will await responses from LVM management by that date regarding questions related to social dialogue within the company.
EFBWW remains committed to closely monitoring this situation and reiterates its call for constructive engagement, transparent communication, and full respect for EU labour rights.