Karnite, Raita

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.

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.

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/

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/

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.

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

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/

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/

‘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

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.