Pilot programme of out-of-court settlement of labor disputes to be  launched in Armenia next year 

ArmInfo.  On June 16, a working discussion on the implementation of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, as well as the reforms outlined in  the Agreement in the field of labor and social issues was held in the  National Assembly on the initiative of the Deputy Chair of the  Standing Committee on European Integration Meri Galstyan. The Chair  of the NA Standing Committee on Labor and Social Affairs Heriknaz  Tigranyan and the Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Ruben  Sargsyan participated in the discussion.

"The purpose of such meetings is to strengthen the NA-executive  communication on the implementation of the Comprehensive and Enhanced  Partnership Agreement. Since the National Assembly is at the  forefront of public communication, I highlight publicizing the  activities of the Agreement and, in general, the work carried out  within the framework of the EU programme," Meri Galstyan said,  underscoring the necessity of speaking up the discussions and issues  of the problems and challenges.

Ruben Sargsyan also emphasized the joint discussions with the  participation of the of the executive and legislative representatives  and considered them effective.

It was noted that the roadmap for the sector is quite extensive.  Regulation of employment contracts, working hours, collective labor  rights, combating discrimination, issues of maternal protection and  care, regulations on health and safety at work - these are the  directions for the sector, within the framework of which 42 main  measures have been outlined in the roadmap.

The Deputy Minister presented in detail the work carried out and the  actions scheduled for the future.

The expected result was underscored as protection of labor rights,  increased legal protection of employees, improvement of the level of  social dialogue, and reduction of discrimination cases.

Systemic changes imply a legislative framework in line with the EU  standards, strengthening of institutional capacities, and effective  monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Referring to the problems and  obstacles encountered during the work, Ruben Sargsyan pointed out the  lack of professional resources and training.

The pilot programme for the implementation of the digital labor  contract system will start on July 1.  Legislative regulations on the  mechanism for out-of-court settlement of labor disputes will be  introduced by the end of 2025, and the pilot programme will be  operational from the next year.

During the discussion, reference was made to the implementation of  the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and  women in matters related to labor and employment, as outlined in the  roadmap, as well as the improvement of legal regulations enshrining  the principle. It was informed that the relevant legislation has  adopted regulations on the exclusion of discrimination in the sphere  of labor and employment. The Gender Policy Implementation Strategy  was adopted.

In terms of occupational safety and health, the reduction of  industrial accidents, prevention of occupational diseases, and  general improvement of the working environment were emphasized.  According to Heriknaz Tigranyan, there are uncoordinated norms, and  it is necessary to establish general standards.

In the near future, thematic and sectoral discussions will be  organized with the participation of representatives of the Labor  Inspectorate.