Current issues related to strengthening international cooperation, the institutional development of the trade union movement, the protection of employees’ and trade union members’ rights, as well as the involvement of trade unions in the Republic of Moldova’s European Union accession process, were discussed during a meeting held on Wednesday, May 13, at the Trade Union House between the leadership of the National Trade Union Confederation of Moldova (CNSM) and Tea Jarc, Confederal Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC).

During the discussions, Igor Zubcu, President of CNSM and President of the Pan-European Regional Council (PERC) of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between CNSM and ETUC, emphasizing the essential role of European trade union solidarity in the current social and economic context.

Igor Zubcu appreciated the continuous support provided by ETUC for the development of the trade union movement in the Republic of Moldova, noting that CNSM’s affiliation to this important European trade union structure contributes to strengthening institutional capacities, modernizing trade union activities, and increasing the organization’s representativeness among employees and trade union members.

The CNSM President also underlined the importance of promoting the European Pillar of Social Rights, which establishes key principles regarding working conditions, social protection, and equal opportunities in EU member states and candidate countries. According to him, trade unions must play an active role in the European integration process to ensure that the reforms implemented in the context of accession lead to improved living and working conditions for employees and guarantee the protection of their rights.

The dialogue also focused on combating anti-union interference and the need to strengthen mechanisms for protecting trade union freedom and the right to organize. The parties agreed on the importance of maintaining permanent communication and effective cooperation in preventing and addressing such practices.

Another topic discussed was the development of cooperation in the field of trade union education. CNSM representatives emphasized the role of the Labour Institute as a regional platform for training and exchange of experience and expressed openness to organizing joint educational activities and programmes for trade union representatives from the region, including Central Asian countries.

For her part, Tea Jarc stressed the importance of direct dialogue with affiliated trade union organizations and ETUC’s active engagement in countries aspiring to join the European Union. She noted that ETUC aims to support the development of national trade unions and strengthen social dialogue so that the European integration process is carried out with full respect for workers’ rights, social protection, and trade union freedoms.

The interlocutors also discussed current labour market challenges, including youth integration, gender equality, women’s rights, and the inclusion of persons with disabilities. In this context, they reiterated the importance of promoting European values, strengthening social cohesion, and developing effective models of social dialogue that contribute to economic competitiveness and the protection of employees’ interests.

The parties reaffirmed their openness to further strengthening cooperation and continuing constructive dialogue between CNSM and ETUC for the benefit of trade union members and the development of an effective and modern social dialogue in the Republic of Moldova.

This week, CNSM, in partnership with ETUC, organized in Chișinău, at the Labour Institute, the seminar “Strengthening Trade Unions for Social Dialogue.” The event brought together trade union leaders and representatives of national and international trade union organizations to discuss strengthening the trade union movement, recruiting new members, developing modern trade unionism, using digital tools, and reinforcing social dialogue at all levels.

CNSM became a member of ETUC in October 2022. Founded in 1973, the European Trade Union Confederation brings together more than 90 trade union organizations and represents the interests of over 45 million trade union members across Europe.