Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions (ČMKOS), in collaboration with CELSI, hosted an online event focusing on social dialogue and the role of trade unions in Central and Eastern Europe.

What impact did the 2004 EU enlargement have on social dialogue and the role of trade unions in Central and Eastern Europe? How have relationships between social partners evolved, and what is their current standing within Europe and the Czech political context? What has EU membership meant for Czech trade unions?

These and other questions were the focus of a keynote speech by CELSI Director Marta Kahancová. She presented findings from a long-term study on social dialogue in Central and Eastern Europe, which were also published in the academic journal Transfer to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the EU’s eastern expansion.

Marta shared insights with several dozen Czech and Moravian trade unionists, outlining the basic variations in social dialogue arrangements among the then-new EU member states. She highlighted key trends, including declining union membership, fragmentation, low collective agreement coverage, and employers’ reluctance to engage in negotiations. She concluded by presenting strategies for strengthening social dialogue based on her research.

In addition to Marta, CELSI was represented at the meeting by senior researcher Monika Martišková. “This was a lively and practical debate. A big thanks to Marta and Monika - the collaboration with CELSI is extraordinary and truly enjoyable,” concluded moderator Lukáš Němec of the Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions (ČMKOS).

This online event, held on January 15, built upon the Brussels conference “20 years after: Perspectives on industrial relations in Central and Eastern Europe since the 2004 EU enlargement,” organized by the European Trade Union Institute - ETUI on November 7, 2024. CELSI researchers Marta Kahancová and Tibor T Meszmann also contributed to that discussion by presenting their studies published in the journal.

Publication: 20 years after: perspectives on industrial relations in Central and Eastern Europe 20 years after the EU enlargement in Transfer - Volume 30 Issue 1, February 2024 at: https://www.etui.org/publications/20-years-after-perspectives-industrial-relations-central-and-eastern-europe-20-years