IOE Europe and Central Asia regional meeting wraps up

Over 40 representatives from employers' organisations convened with IOE and ILO officials for a comprehensive discussion on regional challenges and opportunities.

Migration, skills shortages, productivity growth, wage increases, and economic headwinds were on the minds of the participants at the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) Europe and Central Asia Regional Meeting which took place from 28-29 September in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Co-hosted by the Georgian Employers Association, senior leaders from the International Labour Organization (ILO) were also present.

IOE Vice-President for Europe and Central Asia Blaise Matthey opened the session by outlining the regional dynamics facing employers and the need to work together to address them collectively.

Shalva Tskhakaia, Georgian Employers’ Association Board Member, gave an update on the employment and economic situation in Georgia. He underscored the immense significance of GEA's participation in the global IOE network.

Each participating organisation also presented the current labour and employment climate in their contexts and the issues hindering economic growth. There was widespread agreement that skills shortages and mismatches as well as wage increases are presenting important obstacles to full employment. 

IOE Secretary-General Roberto Suarez Santos then provided a detailed overview of the priorities and upcoming activities for 2024. During this discussion, members expressed their gratitude for the IOE's work and also raised questions regarding the imminent debate at the ILO Governing Body concerning the interpretation of the "right to strike" in the context of ILO Convention 87 and the stance of the Employers' Group. IOE Vice-President to the ILO, Renate Hornung Draus, clarified that the Employers' Group's firm position is that this issue should be addressed through a social dialogue-based solution within the global tripartite framework of the International Labour Conference, rather than seeking resolution through the International Court of Justice, as proposed by the Workers' Group.

Issues surrounding due diligence and business and human rights were also reviewed within the international, European, and regional context. Participants shared their assessment of the impact of EU directives related to due diligence on local businesses and expressed concerns that it would have a negative effect on companies. 

Additionally, the meeting featured two sub-regional roundtable discussions focusing on the Adriatic and Caucasus regions. Participants from these regions actively shared their experiences in delivering services to their members, strategies for member recruitment, and approaches to engaging in policy discussions with their respective governments.

IOE extends its heartfelt appreciation for the outstanding organisation and warm hospitality provided by the Georgian Employers' Association. Consensus among all participants was that the gathering was a resounding success.