On October 24, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Finance between representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), led by Borja Gracia, and representatives of trade unions.

IMF experts were interested in issues of state and public sector employment and wage regulation, as well as opportunities for strengthening social dialogue. The meeting was constructive and businesslike – both sides sought an open and fact-based discussion about the challenges of the public sector.

At the meeting, the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation (LTUC) was represented by Aušra Volodkaitė, Chairwoman of the Lithuanian Nursing Professionals Organization, Aldona Baublytė, Member of the Council of the Lithuanian Health Care Workers’ Trade Union, and Irena Petraitienė, Chairwoman of the Lithuanian Civil Servants, Budgetary and Public Institution Employees’ Trade Union.

According to colleagues who participated in the meeting, it is necessary to ensure not only stable financing of the public sector, but also a proper respect for the principles of social dialogue. Decisions that affect thousands of employees must be made in consultation with social partners, not unilaterally.