Georgian Labor Groups Demand ILO Response to Mass Public Sector Layoffs
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
The Social Justice Center and the Independent Trade Union of Public Servants "Article 78 of the Constitution" have called on the International Labor Organization (ILO) to address ongoing mass layoffs in Georgia's public sector, citing discriminatory motives. The organizations are urging the ILO to consider forming an investigative commission to examine the issue.
According to their statement, mass dismissals of public employees have been occurring since late December, primarily targeting individuals who have publicly opposed the government's decision to suspend the European integration process. The statement claims these layoffs were facilitated by recent amendments to Georgia's Law on Public Service, which weakened protections for civil servants by simplifying dismissals and restricting avenues for legal recourse, such as fair compensation and reinstatement.
Some dismissed employees have already begun legal proceedings to challenge their terminations, with multiple non-governmental organizations providing legal assistance. The Independent Trade Union "Article 78 of the Constitution" is currently aiding over 100 affected individuals, with the number growing daily.
The organizations highlight that one of the most frequent methods of dismissal is the non-renewal of employment contracts upon expiration. They argue that when such decisions are made on discriminatory grounds, they violate international human rights standards and should be deemed unlawful.
"The current situation meets the criteria for an investigative commission by the International Labor Organization," the statement reads. "This mass purge of personnel undermines the labor rights of civil servants, aims to establish full party control over the civil service, and constitutes an attack on Georgia's public institutions. An urgent response from the ILO and the establishment of an investigative commission could serve as a critical mechanism to halt the repression of civil servants in Georgia."
