Estonian strike wins government concessions

A series of strikes by Estonian unions in protest over attacks on trade union rights has led to a number of concessions from the government.

The strikes, which took place between 5 and 9 March, were spurred by a serious assault by the government on workers’ rights through unilateral changes to collective bargaining laws; the government had failed to negotiate with trade unions and there had been no tripartite dialogue. Plans to cut unemployment benefit were also in the offing.

Supported by a majority of bus, trolleybus and tram drivers, including members of the ITF-affiliated Estonian Transport and Road Workers’ Trade Union (ETTA), the strikes also showed backing for teachers’ union demands for better salaries; teachers earn 30 per cent less than the average wage.

The government has now agreed to a 15 per cent wage increase for teachers from 2013 as well as to amendments in the draft law on collective bargaining. In addition, employers are to begin negotiations with unions on collective bargaining rights reform.

Despite these achievements, the ETTA fears there could be new attacks on the right to “sympathy strikes”.

Last week, ITF general secretary David Cockroft and ITF inland transport section secretary Mac Urata urged the government of Estonia to consult unions on changes to legislation on collective bargaining agreements and to find alternatives to its cuts policy.

The unions’ action falls within the auspices of a wider Global Unions campaign to promote and protect quality public services. For more information, visit: www.qpsactionnow.org