Today H.E. Giorgi Margvelashvili, President of Georgia, discussed labour safety issues with representatives of trade unions and the Inernational Labour Organization (ILO). The meeting focused on the recent tragic workplace incidents in coalmines in the city of Tkibuli, mechanisms for labour inspection to prevent such accidents and Georgian labour legislation that, according to President Margvelashvili, requires further improvement.
Mr. Sergeyus Glovackas, ACTRAV’s Europe Desk Specialist and Mr. Gocha Aleksandria, Specialist for Workers Activities at the ILO Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, underlined the role of trade unions in promoting decent work and indicated to several gaps in Georgia’s legislation and practice. Giorgi Margvelashvili stressed that the role of the ILO is very important in ensuring compliance with the international labour standards and that he welcomes more active cooperation with the GTUC and the ILO.
The ACTRAV specialists reiterated their readiness to continue assist GTUC on the occupational safety and health issues.They introduced the new ILO Technical Cooperation project “Inclusive Labour Markets for Job Creation in Georgia” funded by the Danish Government which, among several objectives, pursues the goal of strengthening the labour inspection system in Georgia through enhanced and effective social dialogue.
“….my doors are always open in order to support trade unions and the citizens they represent”
H.E. Giorgi Margvelashvili, President of Georgia
“We talked about the measures that need to be taken to effectively inspect hazardous workplaces like mines and make appropriate recommendations for that. We have agreed that regarding these issues my doors are always open in order to support trade unions and the citizens they represent who instead of dying on the workplaces should have opportunity to work for better life and sustain their families”, President Margvelashvili said .
