The project addressed the lack of trust and social dialogue practices in Bulgaria and built capacity for a more effective social dialogue. The Covid situation lead to also a lock-down of the social dialogue due to the lack of alternative tools for communication between employers and trade unions in the security sector.
The Covid situation was challenging for the representatives of the security sector, meaning the police, fire brigade, and rescuers, who had to deal with extra work due to the pandemic in addition to their regular duties and role in maintaining public order. The lack of social dialogue in Bulgaria affected the members of the trade union in the sector, TUFEMI, and created tensions. This project therefore created new modern tools and procedures to allow a better social dialogue and communication, also during a crisis situation.
Many countries were affected by lock-down, but social partners quickly found working tools to engage social partners and put social dialogue at a new level, like for instance in Norway. The project drew on this experience through the Norwegian partner.
The project improved the knowledge and competences of TUFEMIs members to identify new challenges and to develop new tools for an efficient social dialogue. This provided police officers, fire-fighters and rescuers with necessary skills and tools to negotiate with the Ministry of Interior in any circumstances. In addition, the project raised awareness among other stakeholders and the public about the importance of social dialogue across sectors.
Activities included:
- creation of a web-based platform for training, communication and exchange of information
- development of training methodology and training materials
- two-days workshop
- publicity matierial: information brochure, 10 podcasts, 50 infographics
- a final conference