Dialogos

Outrageous: Union Representatives as Lobbyists?

Published February 18, 2026, 12:01
Outrageous: Union Representatives as Lobbyists?

PEO condemns the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare for sending a letter to trade unions requesting their registration with the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority as special interest groups in order to participate in meetings on social issues. PEO considers the action offensive and dangerous, as it equates worker representatives with lobbyists, undermining social dialogue and democratic representation. PEO emphasizes the historical role of the trade union movement in defending workers' rights and condemns the attempt to stigmatize trade union demands as the promotion of interests. PEO calls for the immediate withdrawal of the letter and recognition of the role of union representatives as representatives of collective interests.