On May 20, a meeting of the BOA (Baltic Organizing Academy) took place in Tallinn, bringing together members from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland.

The event was attended by the Chair of the Lithuanian Communication Workers’ Trade Union, Regina Dvaržeckytė, and the Chair of the Lithuanian Federation of Metalworkers’ Trade Unions, Marija Varasimavičienė.

Participants discussed worker organising and strategies for attracting new members to trade unions.

The discussion focused on the most relevant challenges in recruiting new members, developing leaders, and possible effective methods for strengthening trade unions.

A significant part of the meeting was also dedicated to sharing updates on the implementation of the EU Directive on adequate minimum wages in different countries. Most participants noted that they face obstacles, for example in Estonia, where social dialogue is often perceived as being more simulated than genuinely implemented.

It should be noted that the Directive requires EU Member States to establish a clear framework for setting minimum wages, promote collective bargaining, and ensure that wages allow for a dignified standard of living. It aims to reduce poverty and inequality across the European Union.

“As agreed, in cases where problems arise in establishing trade unions or negotiating with multinational companies, particularly those with Scandinavian capital, we will seek cooperation with Scandinavian trade unions and together with them to increase the effectiveness of influencing employers’ decisions. As a good example of international solidarity, we see the cooperation of the Latvian Forest Workers’ Trade Union with the European Federation of Building and Woodworkers and Building and Wood Workers’ International,” summarizes Lithuanian representative R. Dvaržeckytė.