At the beginning of February, a new trade union organisation of the Latvian Forest Sector Trade Union (LMNA) was set up, bringing together employees of AS “Latvijas valsts meži”.

“Given the company's important role in the national economy, this is a significant step not only for AS “Latvijas valsts meži” but in achieving the sustainability goals of the whole sector, which can no longer be imagined without an active and productive social dialogue,” says LMNA Chair Kristīne Rapa with conviction. “Latvijas valsts meži”, as one of the leading companies in the forest sector, has shown itself to be a reliable employer ever since it was founded, applying best practice in the field of employment law and defining mutual fairness and a positive working environment as its core values. Setting up a trade union organisation is a logical step, and it confirms that progress towards new achievements is the result of many people's joint work and that outstanding results can only be attained through cooperation.

At present LMNA brings together more than 7% of employees in Latvia's forest and related sectors; it is made up of 29 trade union organisations, and members' interests are defended by four strong collective agreements – the result of social dialogue, which fosters the well-being of every employee and in turn strengthens the sector's companies in today's rapidly changing conditions. “The key to every employer's success is an employee who is not only professional and competent, but also satisfied with their workplace and proud of their company. Setting up a trade union organisation benefits both the employee and the employer – it is a way of conducting mutual dialogue in an organised and purposeful manner,” the LMNA Chair points out.

This year LMNA marks its 35th anniversary. “Over this time we have built a strong and active trade union that not only defends its members – forest sector employees – in their employment and other social and economic rights, but also actively stands up for the sector's shared interests at national level. Our task is to keep growing, to be strong participants in social dialogue and to look after fair working relations. Because only together can we bring about positive change aimed at strengthening social dialogue – change that in today's world is naturally regarded as an essential element of economic growth, social peace and, consequently, the sustainability of society as a whole,” emphasises LMNA Chair Kristīne Rapa.