Pioneering Initiative Unveils Guidelines for Internal Grievance Handling to Strengthen Labour Rights in Armenia

In a landmark move towards fortifying labour rights and cultivating a fair and transparent work environment, a presentation and discussion on alternative mechanisms for individual grievance handling procedures were held at UN House Armenia.

This pivotal event showcased the unveiling of the "Guidelines for Internal Grievance Handling," a collaborative effort initiated by the International Labour Organization's (ILO) "Promoting Implementation of Labour Rights in Armenia Together" project. The meticulously crafted guidelines were developed by ILO's external collaborator, associate professor, and lawyer Ara Yeremyan.

"The guidelines, designed to be piloted initially in the mining and health sectors, offer a comprehensive framework for addressing individual grievances within workplaces. They are versatile enough to be adapted for use in other service sectors, catering to diverse industries' specific needs and requirements", noted Nver Sargsyan, Project Coordinator of "Promoting Implementation of Labour Rights in Armenia Together" ILO. 

"Alternative mechanisms for managing individual grievance envisages maintaining the relationship between employer & employee, time-saving, additional cost savings, ensuring a healthy working environment, productivity increase," noted Gagik Makaryan, the Chairman of the Republican Union of Employers of Armenia.

The event marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to strengthen labour rights and establish effective mechanisms for addressing individual grievances within Armenian workplaces. 

"Trade unions welcome the proposed mechanism for discussing individual labor complaints or disputes in the workplace. The practical application of such a mechanism can become a platform for real social partnership and dialogue. We urge employers to join the program, introduce the mechanism, and change the working environment and culture," noted Tiruhi Nazaretyan, Deputy President of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Armenia.  

During the event, two healthcare organizations requested that Individual grievance handling mechanisms be piloted at their entities.

"Promoting Implementation of Labour Rights in Armenia Together" Project is implemented by the ILO and financed by the US Department of Labor (USDOL). The project's main objective is to strengthen compliance with labour laws and improve access to judicial and non-judicial remedies in Armenia.