The Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation (LPSK), the largest national-level trade union in Lithuania representing over 50,000 workers, has addressed the parliamentary factions of the ruling coalition, presenting its vision and expectations for the 19th Government’s program:

1. Enhancing Social Dialogue by Strengthening Trade Union Powers
   Ensure trade unions’ participation in the management of companies, institutions, and organizations, strengthen protections for trade union representatives from employer interference, and increase the significance of collective agreements in social dialogue. Promote the inclusion of trade unions in national-level decision-making, fostering active cooperation and teamwork among social partners to create better working, economic, and social conditions for all employee groups.
2. Liberalizing Strike Regulations to Empower Workers
   Current legislation requires workers to undergo at least three negotiation procedures before gaining the right to strike, which can take up to two years. Simplifying strike procedures would empower the weaker party in labor relations and help increase the number and scope of collective agreements.
3. Promoting the Conclusion of Collective Agreements, with a Focus on the Private Sector
   Strengthening social dialogue will enhance mutual trust between social partners. Increased trust between the two parties in labor relations would open the door to discussions about embedding certain labor law provisions exclusively within collective agreements.
4. Encouraging the Creation of Socially Responsible Workplaces
   Strengthen the State Labor Inspectorate, empower and bolster Labor Dispute Commissions, and ensure the Inspectorate can respond swiftly to reports of labor law violations. Implement trade unions’ rights to oversee compliance with labor laws, thus reducing the potential for illegal employment practices.
5. Significantly Increasing Fines for Labor Law Violations
   Unreasonably low fines do not deter employers from harmful practices, as paying these fines is often cheaper than investing in better working conditions. Fines should discourage any kind of violation, with the proposed maximum fine being 1% of a company’s annual turnover.

LPSK greatly values constructive and positive social dialogue, a culture of good-faith negotiations, and aligning positions. It sincerely hopes that the new Government will consider these expectations when forming a socially responsible program and adopt a democratic approach to regulating labor relations.