Trade unions demand from the Government of Georgia adequate policy

The Union of Trade Unions of Georgia published a manifesto on the International Day of Workers 'Solidarity and called on the Government of Georgia to implement an adequate employment policy. The document on the official website of the association was published on May 4. It places special emphasis on the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting threats and problems faced by unemployed and income-generating people. Developments around the world, including in Georgia, as a result of the spread of COVID-19, have demonstrated the particular need to regulate and realize socio-economic and labour rights. Georgia in the last period was particularly dependent on tourism. The largest damage was suffered by the tourism sector, where 44,000 people were employed. A large one turned out to be unemployed, the statement said. According to trade unions, about 100 thousand citizens engaged in trade, drivers of minibuses and municipal transport were left without income and earnings. Taxi drivers 'incomes, which depend on a specific platform, have decreased. Lost sources of income about 40 thousand nannies, tutors, cleaners, nurses, most of whom are women. The lengthy manifesto refers to the difficult work and merit of medical professionals, the unresponsive low wages of workers engaged in the areas of heavy metallurgy and food trade, which continue to operate under a state of emergency. Noting the problems in the country and caused by the crisis, the trade unions call on the Government of Georgia to develop an employment policy consistent with these problems and to promote its effective implementation, introduce unemployment benefits and bring the minimum wage standards into line with international standards, use all resources to ensure safety and equality in labour relations. Aware of the importance of solidarity of the whole people and mankind, each member of the Association of Trade Unions believes that overcoming the crisis is possible only by high social responsibility, ensuring decent working conditions, fair payment and guarantees of social protection, the manifesto on May 1 reads. It should be noted that the Union of Trade Unions of Georgia celebrates this holiday every year and usually on this day organizes a march with the participation of trade union members. Coronavirus and the state of emergency have also amended the agenda of this organization.