🚗 How can trade unions and employers’ associations proactively shape the transformation of the automotive industry?

This was the central question at the first in-person meeting of the EU project Enhancing Socio-Ecological Dialogue in the Automotive Industry (SEAD), held on October 6–7, 2025, in Prague, following the project’s online kick-off on June 30.

Representing CELSI, Managing Director Marta Kahancová, researcher Tibor Meszmann, and research assistant Iida Nokkala joined partners from across Europe to discuss how social dialogue can support a fair and sustainable transformation of the automotive sector.

CELSI presented its ongoing research on the current state of the automotive industry in Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia, focusing on how trade unions and employers’ associations perceive the sector’s transformation so far.

The discussion highlighted the need to strengthen dialogue around reskilling, job quality, and long-term sustainability—key elements of a Just Transition.

Our partners also contributed valuable perspectives:

🔹 WageIndicator Foundation showcased its database on collective agreements and innovative bargaining practices.

🔹 Trade union representatives stressed the growing importance of training and adaptation to new technologies.

🔹 NELA (Germany) and České priority offered insights on balancing competitiveness with environmental and social goals.

Together with our European partners — Odborový zväz KOVO, [Odborový svaz KOVO](https://www.linkedin.com/company/odborov%C3%BD-svaz-kovo/), Zväz strojárskeho priemyslu SR, MGYOSZ/BusinessHungary, Vasas Szakszervezeti Szövetség, industriAll Europe, and Ceemet – European Tech & Industry Employers — we are committed to advancing a socio-ecological dialogue that supports both workers and employers through this major industrial transformation.

🤝 CELSI is proud to contribute research-based insights to the SEAD project, helping bridge evidence, dialogue, and policy for a Just Transition in Central and Eastern Europe.

The SEAD project is funded by the European Union (project no. 101197679).

👉 More information about the project: https://celsi.sk/en/SEAD-project/

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