OSCE research on labor rights presented in Yerevan

PanARMENIAN.Net - An OSCE research on youth awareness about labor rights and role of professional unions was presented in Yerevan on June 7.

“The research showed that, generally, young people do not seal contracts with employers, that is why their rights can’t be guaranteed,” Deputy Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan Carel Hofstra stated.

“The aim of the research is to assist civil and democratic institutes of Armenia, with professional unions as an important part of the civil society,” he added.

For his part, APR Group chairman Ruben Sargsyan said that the research was conducted among 1200 young people and aimed to find out to what extend they are informed about their rights.

“The results showed that young Armenian people has a poor knowledge of the RA Labor Code and are not aware how to use the mechanisms to exercise their rights,” he said.

According to the research, only 5% of the respondents are members of professional unions. At that, conflicts with employers often break out due to salary issues and violations of the contact provisions.

59% of the respondents said that the conflicts between employees and employers are usually resolved through talks. Meanwhile, 32.1% said they are ready to defend their rights in court.