THE SLOVAK ASSOCIATION of Employers (AZZZ) and the National Union of Employers (RÚZ) have both supported the AZZZ's main negotiator, Rastislav Machunka, who said social dialogue at the tripartite level was over after the "social partners" talks failed on March 26.
Both employer organizations said the stances and conduct of Labour Ministry representatives considerably harmed the employers' faith in the ministry's ability to fairly take part in social dialogue.
Members of the AZZZ, the RÚZ and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry want the government to consider employers' arguments and objections to the draft amendment to the Labour Code, which is the focus of the current disputes.
They are asking for changes to regulations in the Labour Code amendment - regulations they say might curb employment, slow economic growth, limit foreign investment and threaten competitiveness.
The employers say they most want to discuss the draft with trade unions. The Trade Union Confederation announced, however, that it would negotiate the draft with employers only on the condition that Labour Ministry representatives are present.