Olof Palme Center Programme Albania 2023-2027

The programme has achieved several important milestones and outcomes: - One of the most important achievements in relation to development of the Albanian partner organisations is the establishment of the Albanian Coalition for Labour Rights, an informal network of ten labour unions and civil society organisations aiming to amplify their collective voice and enhance coordination for joint advocacy. Members of the Coalition are CLR, SKOT, Union of Hydrocarbures, Union of Health SPSHSH, LRER, For Social Justice, Network of Youth Professionals, GADC, Union of Prison Police, Union of Unions. The work of the Coalition is a significant step towards advocating for workers' rights collectively and demonstrated a commitment to bringing about positive and systemic changes. May 1, International Workers Day, was organised for the very first time in many years by the Coalition and was broadcast by all the main national media in Albania. - A positive development is that the labour partners have assumed an increased role in the EU integration process; particularly CLR. CLR and other partners are active players in several working groups/councils at the national level in relation to the EU integration. CLR published for the first time a Social Rights Monitor (SRM) 2023 report. The SRM evaluates the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR), as one of the most important directives of EU in relation to social rights and labour issues. - The CLR has directly offered assistance to a large number of unions. Notably, we highlight the assistance provided to the oil workers' unions for the signing of a collective contract with Albpetrol Company. Through support from CLR, a collective labour contract was signed jointly by two unions 11 (SRNSH and Hydrocarbur Union) with Albpetrol Company on February 10, 2023, after many negotiations. The contract guarantees wage increases, rewards up to one salary for each calendar year, an increase in the value of benefits, economic assistance, broader inclusion, payments for night hours and holidays, application of the Oil Worker Status Law, professional training and qualification of employees, individual protective equipment according to the specifics of the profession and workplace, and more. - GADC is actively involved in five ongoing court cases, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to seeking justice and compensation for affected workers. In a successful case in 2023, GADC provided direct support to three women from the 'Xibretex' textile company, resulting in a favorable court ruling. The company was ordered to pay the women the health and social contributions owed to them for the years 2016-2020. Currently, 16 more women from the same company are awaiting the resolution of their cases in court. - In terms of policy and influence, the programme has made noteworthy contributions to shaping a favourable environment for democratic governance and respect for human rights. Partner organisations have engaged in policy dialogue, monitoring and advocacy, resulting in concrete outcomes. - The POP Network's influence at local level is significant in providing a platform of communication between candidates for mayors and citizens during the local election of May 2024. Eighteen public forums were organized in 10 municipalities. - The engagement of citizens has played a pivotal role as well in achieving significant progress in addressing the 2019-2023 Social Contract priorities in municipalities and holding public officials accountable and responsive. Approximately 74% of the commitments made through the Social Contracts 2019-2023 were achieved. Engaging citizens through signing petitions has been a significant approach in resolving issues, particularly in Vlora, Kukes, Korca, and Tirana. The POP network will continue to provide a continuous and sustainable platform for communication between citizens and politicians/duty-bearers post-elections and closely monitor the implementation of the new Social Contracts 2023-2027 to ensure citizens' needs are fulfilled.

The objective of the programme is to strengthen the capacity and legitimacy of civil society organisations and support activities that ensure the participatory nature of political, social and economic processes. Civil society organisations will empower citizens to claim and exercise their rights and contribute to the advancement of good governance and socio-economic rights.