Strengthening Social Dialogue in the Tourism Sector Lithuanian Trade Union of Food Producers ALGIRDAS ZVICEVIČIUS expert on wages and social questions September 2007 Riga Latvia
Main social -economic indicators Population (thous.) 3374, III Q Inflation - 0.7% July Change of GDP - 8% Average monthly earnings (gross)- 369 LVL Average monthly earnings (net) LVL Minimum monthly wage LVL-2007 July Average old age pension per month - 125,9 LVL-2007 July Unemployed, % of working age population-2.8%
Average monthly earnings by economic sector 2007 II quarter : (in LVL) Sector All employees Males Females hotels &restaurants gross hotels &restaurants net Recreational, cultural & sporting activities gross Recreational, cultural & sporting activities net Employees wages in hotels &restaurants sector 40% less than average wage in the Lithuanian national economy
Number of employees In hotels &restaurants sector 40.0 thous. In tourism 2.0 thous. These sectors are growing about 15% per year On average hotel &restaurant employ10-20 persons Travel agencies employ lessthan10 persons
Trade unions in Tourism sector Lithuanian trade union of public service Lithuanian Trade Union of Food Producers Lithuanian Trade Union of Commercial and Cooperative Employees
Atempts to organize Individual contacts Individual legal assistance “Envelope” campaign Dispute on Tripartite council Contacts with employers organizations
Establishment problem of trade unions in the tourism sector Small enterprises Fast employees turnaround ( temporary employment) Low wages Long working hours Often changes in ownership Lack of social dialogue
Thank you