Karnite, Raita
Government adopts procedure for employing prisoners awaiting trial
31 Märts 2008
The idea of employing prisoners has been discussed in Latvia for several
years, not least due to increasing labour market demand. In March 2007, the
country held more than 6,000 people in prison, 4,500 of whom had been
convicted of a crime, while the remainder were awaiting the conclusion of
their trial process. Approximately 30% of convicted persons are employed.
More specifically, almost all of the convicts held in more open-style prisons
were working, in addition to about 16% of those held in closed prisons and
semi-closed type prisons. Open and semi-closed prisons have more relaxed
policies regarding family visits, for example.
New government makes headway with unions in talks on healthcare pay
16 Märts 2008
Following the resignation of Latvia’s government in December 2007, the
trade unions were quick to remind the new government ministers about their
demands. In contrast to the previous administration, the new ministers have
been listening to the trade unions’ demands and agreements have been
reached in the healthcare sector and in relation to social dialogue.
Study reveals gap in labour market supply and demand
28 Jaanuar 2008
A study (in Latvian (1.1Mb WinZip file)) [1] on labour force supply and
demand – one of 13 studies – was initiated by the Republic of Latvia’s
Ministry of Welfare (Labklājības ministrija Latvijas Republikas [2]) in the
framework of the National Labour Market Research Programme (in Latvian) [3],
supported by the European Social Fund [4] (ESF [5]). The study was carried
out by the University of Latvia (Latvijas Universitāte [6]) from August 2005
to April 2007.
[1] http://www.darbatirgus.gov.lv/doc_upl/1_1_ Petijuma_publikacija.zip
[2] http://www.lm.gov.lv/
[3] http://www.darbatirgus.gov.lv/
[4] www.eurofound.europa.eu/ef/observatories/eurwork/industrial-relations-dictionary/european-social-fund
[5] http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/esf/
[6] http://www.lu.lv/eng/
Health workers union sues government
27 Jaanuar 2008
For a number of years, the Latvian Health and Social Care Workers’ Trade
Union (Latvijas Veselības un sociālās aprūpes darbinieku arodbiedrība,
LVSADA [1]) has been fighting for increased health worker salaries and
compliance with the provision of labour legislation for the healthcare sector
(*LV0707039I* [2], *LV0502101F* [3]). LVSADA blames the government for the
low salaries of medical workers, as the previous wage increase agreements
were not upheld. In addition, the trade union highlights that there are no
additional payments for night shifts and overtime work, or allowances for
environmental risks. LVSADA criticises the arrogant and condescending
attitude on the part of the Ministry of Health (Veselības ministrija, VM
[4]). The discussions are usually most heated during the period of approval
of the state budget.
[1] http://www.lvsada.lv/
[2] www.eurofound.europa.eu/ef/observatories/eurwork/articles/low-salaries-lead-to-illegal-payments-in-healthcare-sector
[3] www.eurofound.europa.eu/ef/observatories/eurwork/articles/medical-workers-pay-protests-accelerate-reform-of-healthcare-system
[4] http://www.vm.gov.lv/
Social partners sign agreement for taxi services
17 Detsember 2007
The General Agreement for taxi operations, which forms part of the transport
sector, was concluded on 25 September 2007 between the Latvian Taxi Sector
Employer Organisation (Latvijas vieglo taksometru nozares darba devēju
organizācija, LVTNDDO) and the Latvian Taxi Union (Latvijas vieglo
taksometru arodbiedrība, LVTA), based on Article 18 (2) of the Latvian
Labour Law. The aim of the agreement is to ensure stable and efficient taxi
services, development of operations and social guarantees for the employees
concerned.
Trade unions threaten to dissolve parliament over state of economy
17 Detsember 2007
Over the past year, increasing macroeconomic instability has heightened
tensions in Latvian society. When the August 2007 inflation rate exceeded 10%
and the public demanded that the government be more active in reducing
inflation, the government responded by announcing a possible public sector
pay freeze in 2008, to be applied first to teachers and healthcare workers.
The ministers believe that such a move could act as a deflationary measure
(LV0703029I [1]).
[1] www.eurofound.europa.eu/ef/observatories/eurwork/articles/widespread-protest-at-government-plan-to-reduce-inflation
Employers call for less restrictive immigration laws
17 Detsember 2007
Although Latvian migration policy is directed at protecting the domestic
labour market, employers are tending more frequently to exercise the option
of employing migrant workers, as provided by law. According to the Office of
Citizenship and Migration Affairs (Pilsonības un migrācijas lietu
pārvalde, PMLP [1]), during the first half of 2007 almost as many employed
foreigners, at 1,989 persons, were registered as in the whole of 2006, when
the total reached 2,398 persons. Moreover, the number of migrant workers
entering the country is increasing while the number of foreign entrepreneurs
is decreasing – the latter has declined from 33% of the total number of
those entering for the purpose of employment in 2006 to 23% of the total in
2007.
[1] http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/
Tackling the high level of undeclared work
09 Detsember 2007
An ‘Assessment of unregistered employment’ is one of 13 projects
initiated by the Latvian Ministry of Welfare (Labklājības Ministrija, LM
[1]) in the framework of the National Programme on Labour Market Studies,
supported by the European Social Fund [2]. The research project was conducted
by the University of Latvia (Latvijas Universitāte, LU [3]) in cooperation
with the consultancies InMind Ltd (now known as GfK Custom Research Baltic
[4]) and Latvijas Fakti Ltd.
[1] http://www.lm.gov.lv/
[2] www.eurofound.europa.eu/ef/observatories/eurwork/industrial-relations-dictionary/european-social-fund
[3] http://www.lu.lv
[4] http://www.gfk.lv/
Disparity between awareness of and compliance with gender equality
28 Oktoober 2007
‘Gender equality aspects in the labour market’ is one of 13 projects
initiated by the Ministry of Welfare (Labklājības ministrija, LM [1]) in
the framework of the National Programme on Labour Market Studies, supported
by the European Social Fund [2]. The aim of the research is to facilitate the
creation of an integrated society on the basis of an inclusive state
employment policy. To achieve this aim, the study evaluated the current
situation in relation to gender equality [3] in the Latvian labour market,
identified existing problems and made recommendations towards securing gender
equality in the labour market.
[1] http://www.lm.gov.lv/
[2] www.eurofound.europa.eu/ef/observatories/eurwork/industrial-relations-dictionary/european-social-fund
[3] www.eurofound.europa.eu/ef/observatories/eurwork/industrial-relations-dictionary/gender-equality
Time use survey highlights changing working conditions
21 Oktoober 2007
The latest population time use survey indicates changes in the profile of
time use in Latvia in 2003, compared with 1996. In 2003, all workers used a
greater part of the total weekly time budget (168 hours) for personal care
and sleep; however, men spent a greater part of the total time in paid work.
Moreover, there was an increase in travel or commuting time. The survey also
shows differences in time use between those in paid employment and others,
according to sex and geographical location. Time use surveys are primarily a
quality of life indicator, but they also contain useful data regarding
working conditions.