DRL Strengthening Worker’s Rights in Armenia

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that support freedom of association, collective bargaining and the right to strike for Armenian workers. Armenian workers in most sectors have the right to form and join labor unions and the right to strike is enshrined in Armenia’s constitution; however, in practice, Armenian labor unions are weak calling for rights is extremely difficult due to complex legal requirements. The law permits employers to pull out of collective bargaining agreements at any point, so opportunities for collective bargaining are quite limited. Workers remain unaware of their rights and the role labor unions could play in protecting those rights, largely due to the legacy of Soviet trade unions. Since the “Velvet Revolution,” several new labor unions have formed, and government officials and unions have stated that labor unions should be strengthened; however, visions of the future of Armenian labor unions diverge. Ensuring reforms set out in the revolution see progress is particularly paramount now amid growing concerns of Russia using the opportunity otherwise to advantageously insert its influence in civil society space and stymie progress in democratic reform.