The campaign “Be the Voice of Equity at the Workplace!”: results, progress, and commitments for the future

Launched on May 27, 2025, by the National Trade Union Confederation of Moldova (CNSM) in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), the campaign reached 21 rayons, training over 874 people and implementing 20 local initiatives within economic entities — ranging from mentorship programs for employees returning from parental leave to the inclusion of dedicated equal opportunities provisions in collective labour agreements.

These actions contributed to the promotion of family-friendly measures for workers with family responsibilities and to the strengthening of social dialogue.

The main objective of the campaign was to support the ratification of ILO Convention No. 156 — an essential international instrument that recognizes that workers are not only employees, but also members of a family with real responsibilities towards children, parents, and other close persons. At the same time, the campaign aimed to inform, raise awareness, and promote a shift in attitudes regarding the need for equal treatment between female and male employees, as well as between workers with and without family responsibilities.

Claire Harasty, Director of the International Labour Organization Office for Central and Eastern Europe. ”Although progress in the field of childcare is steadily advancing, increasing attention is now being given to the development of long-term care services. In the context of population ageing and strong migration trends, ensuring care for older persons is becoming increasingly urgent — both in urban areas, where services are often insufficient, and in rural areas, where isolation and lack of access create even greater risks. Expanding long-term care services is not only important — it is imperative.”

The campaign provided an open platform for discussions on the challenges faced by employees in balancing professional life with family responsibilities. Good practice examples were promoted, and the results indicate a growing interest in developing policies and support mechanisms in this area.

As a result of the campaign, CNSM formulated several concrete proposals:

• the inclusion of the paternity leave period in the calculation of the contribution period for determining the pension.
• the improvement of the legal framework to support employees who provide care for elderly persons.
• to grant real tax benefits to individuals who support family members, by aligning income with the minimum pension.

These initiatives aim to create a more equitable and socially responsive working environment.

At the closing event, leaders of national and international institutions emphasized the importance of translating principles into concrete actions.

The President of CNSM, Igor Zubcu, highlighted the role of trade unions in promoting equity and defending workers’ rights, stressing the need for real policies, not merely declarative ones.

“Equity in the workplace should not remain merely a concept. It is our shared responsibility — of trade unions, authorities, and employers — to create conditions in which every employee can balance professional and family life. The campaign has demonstrated that there is openness and a willingness for change, but continuity and concrete actions are needed.”

From Theory to Practice:

The campaign was not limited to speeches. During the panels, projects with both emotional and practical impact were presented:

• Collective Diary: 24 parents shared their daily challenges.
• “A Day at Parents’ Workplace”: An initiative through which children learned about their parents’ professional activities.
• The “Auto Management and Sanitation” model: Sergiu Surucean exemplified how returning from maternity leave and flexible work schedules were directly integrated into individual employment contracts.

Yeşim Oruç, United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Moldova: “Trade unions are essential partners in protecting workers’ rights and promoting social justice in the world of work. Through social dialogue and gender-responsive collective bargaining, advocacy against discrimination, and the protection of the rights of care workers, trade unions play a vital role in shaping decent and inclusive workplaces.”

Progress and Realities in the Republic of Moldova

Despite women continuing to bear the majority of care responsibilities, performing on average three more hours of unpaid domestic work per day than men, the Republic of Moldova has made significant progress in improving public policies.

Marina Morozova, the Vice Chair of the Parliamentary Commission for Social Protection, Health, and Family, highlighted the progress achieved in legislation:

• Reform of paternity leave: the 15 days of paternity leave may now be taken in segments and used throughout the child’s first year of life.
• Record investments in creches: the National Creche Fund increased from MDL 18 million in 2025 to MDL 385 million in 2026/2027.
• Equal pay for equal work: salary transparency is being established as a mandatory standard.
• Development of alternative childcare services for children up to the age of 3 years.

The Importance of ILO Convention No. 156- Workers with Family Responsibilities

The participants emphasized the importance of the ratification of ILO Convention No. 156 as an essential step towards the development of an equitable and inclusive working environment in the Republic of Moldova.

It is important to note that ILO Convention No. 156 concerning equal opportunities and equal treatment for workers with family responsibilities, adopted in 1981, constitutes a key international instrument recognizing the importance of supporting individuals who combine family responsibilities with professional obligations.

ILO Convention No. 156 recognizes the importance of supporting workers with family responsibilities, in order to ensure effective equality of opportunity and treatment between men and women with family responsibilities, and between such workers and other employees. To date, the Convention has been ratified by 45 States.

Lilia Cazac, Representative of the National Trade Union Confederation of Moldova (CNSM) in the Dubăsari Rayon. “Trade unions act as the voice of employees and as defenders of the dignity of work. The campaign has demonstrated that an informed employee is better protected under the law. No one should be disadvantaged in the workplace because they are a parent or because they have caregiving responsibilities. A strong economy is built where there is respect for people.”

The campaign “Be the Voice of Equity at the Workplace!” conveyed a clear message: equity is not merely an idea, but a shared responsibility. Trade unions, employers, and authorities must translate principles into concrete actions. A modern society cannot ignore the fact that workers have family responsibilities. A strong economy is built where there is respect for people, where work is valued, and where the balance between professional and personal life becomes a reality.

Disclaimer: The partnership was established within the framework of the project “Promoting the creation of quality employment and sustainable enterprises in the care and related sectors,” implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO), and contributes to the activities of the project “Strengthening peace and prosperity through women’s leadership and inclusion (Women for Peace and Prosperity),” implemented with the financial support of the Government of Switzerland.