On September 12–14 in Tsaghkadzor, the Republican Branch-Wise Union of Trade Union Organizations of Commerce, Catering, Consumer Co-operatives and Enterprise Workers Union of Armenia organized a seminar for its member organizations on the topic “Ways to Increase Trade Union Membership and the Effectiveness of Union Work.”
The Union’s Chairman, Shmavon Mkrtchyan, welcomed the seminar facilitator, Liana Amiraghyan, presented the functions, goals, challenges, and motivations for joining a trade union.
Participants were also learned about collective agreements, collective bargaining, and amendments to the Labor Code of the Republic of Armenia. This session was delivered by Anna Barikyan, lawyer of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Armenia, who competently addressed all questions raised by the participants.
Vardui Brutyan, Head of the Training and Research Center of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Armenia, spoke about the structure of the Confederation and the specific features of the trade union movement.
In his address, Chairman of the Union Shmavon Mkrtchyan highlighted the qualities essential for a trade union leader, such as authority within the workforce and professionalism. He stressed the crucial role of trade union organizations as both the source and driving force of the development of the trade union movement in Armenia.
The seminar was rich in interactive group discussions and role-playing exercises, allowing participants to actively engage in debates and decision-making.
As a result of the discussions, participants concluded that certain employers, as well as the shortage of professional trade union leaders in the sector, remain obstacles to expanding trade union membership and improving the effectiveness of union activities.
In conclusion, participants proposed strengthening awareness-raising efforts and expanding the training of trade union personnel.