Karnite, Raita
Government to increase tax free allowance
11 Septembris 2006
On 27 June 2006, the Latvian government approved an increase in the tax free
allowance threshold and in tax relief for dependent persons. As of 1 January
2007, the personal tax free allowance will be increased from €45 to €57
per month. Tax relief for dependent persons will also be increased from the
current €31 per month to €40 per month, from the same date.
Cooperation agreement to strengthen social dialogue
05 Septembris 2006
On 31 May 2006, the Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia (Latvijas Brivo
Arodbiedribu Savieniba, LBAS [1]), the Latvian Employers’ Confederation
(Latvijas Darba Deveju Konfederacija, LDDK [2]), and the Latvian Association
of Local and Regional Governments (Latvijas Pašvaldibu Savieniba, LPS [3]),
which represents municipalities at national level, signed a tripartite
agreement on cooperation.
[1] http://www.lbas.lv/En/index.html
[2] http://www.lddk.lv/index.php?lang=2
[3] http://www.lps.lv/jaunumi.php?lang=lv
Employers demand changes to labour laws
27 Augusts 2006
In its plan for 2006, the Employers’ Confederation of Latvia (Latvijas
Darba deveju konfederacija, LDDK [1]) has put forward various proposals for
changes to the labour law.
[1] http://www.lddk.lv/
Government endeavours to stamp out illegal work
27 Augusts 2006
In 2005, up to 936 illegal employees were found to be working in the 2,000
companies that were inspected by the government. In the first quarter of
2006, the government counted 536 illegal employees in the 1,319 companies
inspected. It seems from these inspections that illegal employment most often
occurs in the construction, woodworking and trade sectors.
Labour relations difficult in R & D sector
20 Augusts 2006
According to national statistics, some 303 institutions and enterprises
carried out research and development (R&D) in Latvia in 2004. Based on the
equivalent of a full day’s work, these bodies employed a total of 3,324
scientific workers.
Labour shortages due to emigration of Latvian workers
20 Augusts 2006
The rapid changes in the Latvian labour market over the last two years have
generated both economic and social effects. Latvia’s economic development
has led to an increase in the number of people in employment. In 2002, some
989,000 persons were employed in Latvia; by 2005, this figure amounted to
1.04 million people. In the second quarter of 2004, 62.4% of residents aged
15–74 years were economically active (working or looking for work); of
those, 56.3% were in employment compared with 57% in 2005.
Integration of wheelchair users in the workforce
08 Augusts 2006
The aim of the study by the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences (Baltijas
Socialo Zinatnu instituts, BSZI [1]), carried out in 2005–2006 is to ensure
that wheelchair users can choose their own educational and career paths,
increase their motivation to become more competitive in the labour market,
and reduce social alienation and unemployment.
[1] http://www.bszi.lv/default.asp?lang=en
Employers active in industrial relations issues
11 Aprīlis 2006
Employers in Latvia are continually bringing their influence to bear on
industrial relations. The Latvian Employers’ Confederation (Latvijas Darba
Devēju konfederācija, LDDK) brings up issues for debate and public
discussion, using social dialogue institutions directly or indirectly - or at
least the principle of social dialogue - to find solutions to them. Unlike
trade unions, which try to keep social dialogue within the legally mandated
framework, i.e. under the auspices of the National Tripartite Council
(Nacionālās trīspusējās sadarbības padome, NTSP), employers take a more
flexible approach to their activities, getting involved in public discussions
in the media, joint seminars, discussions and projects to which the social
partners are invited.
Single payment system created for employees of state institutions
01 Marts 2006
Until now, the procedures for paying state officials were determined by 21
laws and cabinet regulations (LV0409104F [1]). The system was seen to have
many defects, including a lack of transparency, differing pay levels for the
same work, and the fact that various supplements were paid in addition to
basic wages. For example, depending on their qualifications, the wages of
state secretaries in ministries ranged from EUR 325 to EUR 996 per month.
[1] www.eurofound.europa.eu/ef/observatories/eurwork/articles/pay-determination-in-public-institutions
Emigration of Latvian workers continues to increase
25 Janvāris 2006
The emigration of Latvians to other European countries has increased
following Latvia’s accession to the EU. At the same time, Latvian
businesses are making use of possibilities provided for by the free market
and are seeking to provide services from abroad.