Moldova is facing complex challenges in achieving the Decent Work goal as it undergoes significant democratic changes. Our country sees low employment rates and a high level of informal work. There is a high level of inactivity among the working age population. In addition, there are challenges related to the sustainability and coverage of the social protection system. The coronavirus pandemic has worsened these problems, causing more people to lose their jobs. Some businesses went bankrupt, and the educational process has been interrupted and contributed to feelings of insecurity about the future. These are some of the findings formulated by Simon Springett, UN resident coordinator in Moldova, during a round table organized by the unions on Thursday, IPN reports.
According to Simon Springett, Moldova needs structural reforms to restore economic and social growth and create efficient institutions. “There is no simple, one-size-fits-all solution to these challenges. We need joint efforts from all labor market stakeholders in an effective and meaningful dialogue. In 2022, we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Moldova becoming a member of the ILO. We need a partnership more than ever. This country program (2021-2024 Decent Work Country Program) is an expression of solidarity and commitment. The United Nations stands ready to support all the social partners in the implementation of this Country Program”, stated Simon Springett.
Sergiu Sainciuc, vice president of the National Confederation of Trade Unions, said the unions support the Government’s efforts to create a favorable investment climate and manage migration flows. However, this should not be done in violation of employees’ rights, warned Sergiu Sainciuc.
Leonid Cerescu, president of the National Confederation of Employers, said that “decent work is not just a slogan, it is a goal we must strive for by combining the efforts of tripartite constituents: governments, unions, and employers Having a country program on decent work is about promoting the importance of social dialogue and those who participate in it, as well as building a functional and institutional system of tripartite relations”.
Marcel Spatari, minister of Labor and Social Protection, stated that the National Commission for Consultations and Collective Bargaining should resume coming together, and that these meetings should take place regularly. “Decent work is one of this Government’s priorities. We need to make sure that the institutions responsible for this are functional. We must make sure that workplace health and safety standards are observed and that we do not have undeclared salaries”, stated the minister.
Markus Pilgrim, director of the International Labor Organization’s Office for Central and Eastern Europe, said that the Decent Work Country Program, signed on October 7 in Chisinau, aims to increase the employment rate among young people, to provide assistance to as many inactive women as possible in the labor market and to improve the skills of young people in the workplace so that they meet the expectations of employers.
