Lithuanian trade unions oppose new foreign worker employment proposal

Eight trade union organizations in Lithuania have united to oppose a proposal by the President regarding new temporary employment regulations for foreign workers. The unions argue that the proposed changes could increase worker dependency on specific employers, weaken the ability of employees to defend their rights, and negatively impact the broader Lithuanian labor market.

A primary concern raised is that the new rules might tie a foreign worker's right to live and work in the country to a specific employer. This could make it difficult for workers to change jobs even when facing unpaid wages or poor working conditions. The unions suggest that instead of creating a restricted labor market, the focus should be on improving working conditions, increasing wages, and investing in employee qualifications to attract and retain talent.

Dalia Jakutavičė, chair of the Lithuanian Confederation of Trade Unions, stated that businesses should compete through productivity and quality rather than through worker dependency. The organizations are calling for increased employer responsibility, strengthened capacities for the State Labour Inspectorate, and the expansion of sectoral collective agreements.