Blaziene, Inga

On 14 May 2012, the Zarasai district association of the Trade Union of Lithuanian Education Employees (LŠDPS [1]) submitted seven demands to Arnoldas Abramavicius, Mayor of the Zarasai district municipality (ZRS [2]). By doing this they initiated a collective labour dispute. [1] http://www.lsdps.lt/ [2] http://www.zarasai.lt

Lithuania’s National Agreement (90Kb PDF) [1] was signed between the government and social partners in October 2009 (*LT0911019I* [2], *LT0912019I* [3]). It expired at the end of 2010. Attempts to launch a new agreement in 2011 (*LT1011019I* [4]) were unsuccessful. [1] http://www.lrv.lt/bylos/vyriausybes/Nac_%20susitarimas_en.pdf [2] www.eurofound.europa.eu/ef/observatories/eurwork/articles/national-agreement-to-combat-economic-downturn-finally-signed [3] www.eurofound.europa.eu/ef/observatories/eurwork/articles/industrial-relations-undefined/new-national-agreement-attracts-widespread-criticism [4] www.eurofound.europa.eu/ef/observatories/eurwork/articles/industrial-relations/social-partners-discuss-renewal-of-national-agreement

In Lithuania, a two-level procedure for Individual Labour Dispute (ILD) resolution existed. It provided for the hearing of individual labour disputes by a special Labour Disputes Commission at company level and in the courts. This was seen as unsatisfactory to both employers and employees, and was found to be inefficient. For employers, the formation of such a commission meant additional costs, and employees were often dissatisfied with the commission’s decisions. However, judicial resolution of ILDs in the courts was lengthy and expensive.

On 21 February, 20 contracts covering the funding and administration of projects designed to promote social dialogue were signed by Lithuania’s Ministry of Social Security and Labour (SADM [1]), the European Social Fund Agency (ESFA [2]) and the leaders of employer and employee organisations. [1] http://www.socmin.lt/index.php?-1287235924 [2] http://www.esf.lt

Teachers in Lithuania planned a two-hour warning strike in February to express their dissatisfaction with the education policy being pursued by the government.

Since the early 1990s, throughout the entire period of Lithuania’s independence, three national trade union confederations have operated in the country; the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation (LPSK [1]), the Lithuanian Labour Federation (LDF [2]) and the Lithuanian Trade Union ‘Solidarumas’ (LPS ‘Solidarumas’ [3]) (*LT0412102F* [4]). In addition to these, there are a number of small trade union organisations unaffiliated to the peak union confederations. [1] http://www.lpsk.lt/ [2] http://www.ldf.lt/index.php?cid=2 [3] http://www.lps.lt/ [4] www.eurofound.europa.eu/ef/observatories/eurwork/articles/trade-unions-in-focus

UAB Svyturys-Utenos Alus [1] is the biggest brewery in Lithuania with around 450 permanent employees. The company’s main shareholder is Danish brewing giant Carlsberg [2]. [1] http://www.svyturys.lt [2] http://www.carlsberggroup.com/

The minimum wage in Lithuania was last increased more than three years ago in January 2008. Currently it is almost the lowest in the EU27 at LTL 800 (€232) per month and LTL 4.85 (€1.41) per hour. In the first quarter of 2011 the minimum wage was only equivalent to 38.6% of the gross average wage in the country. About 10% of full-time employees are currently paid the minimum wage in Lithuania.

Amendments to the Law on Trade Unions were finally approved at the sitting of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania (LRV [1]) on 2 March 2011. The amendments were drafted by trade unions [2] long ago in order to accord with other labour legislation, as well as Article 5 of the European Social Charter. They ensure that all people in Lithuania, whether citizens, or foreigners who are legally employed, can establish and join trade unions. [1] http://www.lrv.lt [2] www.eurofound.europa.eu/ef/observatories/eurwork/industrial-relations-dictionary/trade-unions

The National Agreement, signed in October 2009, and valid until the end of 2010 (*LT0911019I* [1]) ensured a certain social peace in Lithuania. During this period not a single protest campaign was staged. [1] www.eurofound.europa.eu/ef/observatories/eurwork/articles/national-agreement-to-combat-economic-downturn-finally-signed