As the trade union leaders noted, the Presidents initiative for the conclusion of such contract is welcome. They added that so far, the conclusion of the contract has been hindered by absence of a comprehensive vision, the unwillingness of the employers organisations to accept specific responsibilities, and the political rivalry in the society. The trade union leaders saw the social contract as a framework that would cover several, more specific agreements, including for instance those concerning taxes and profit policy.
The Head of State recognised the efforts of the trade unions for the stabilisation of the labour market and more efficient financing of re-employment and re-training process.
The President stated that in the future, regular meetings between the representative bodies of the employees as one party of the labour market would be very necessary.
Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, March 4, 2002
