Prepared by Messenger Staff
Government Rejects Trade Union Registration, TI Alleges Political Motives
The Georgian Public Registry has refused to register the "Independent Trade Union of Civil Servants - Article 78 of the Constitution."
Transparency International-Georgia (TI-Georgia), which is providing legal aid to dismissed civil servants, argues that the rejections are politically motivated. Director Eka Gigauri alleged on February 27 that the government seeks to suppress independent organizing within the civil service.
The union was established in response to GD's withdrawal from EU integration, which led to a purge of government employees who expressed dissent. According to Gigauri, despite meeting all formal requirements, the Public Registry has denied registration multiple times, once objecting to the organization's name.
Gigauri condemned these decisions as violations of Georgian law and international labor agreements. TI-Georgia has appealed to the International Labor Organization for intervention.
Reports indicate that around 400 public employees have been dismissed recently, with layoffs affecting the Public Registry, the Probation Agency, and the Civil Service Hall. The Ministry of Defense is also undergoing reorganization.
Gigauri stated that public servants are being removed for upholding constitutional principles and refusing to participate in unlawful practices.
EU and KAS Launch 'REACT for Georgia' to Strengthen Civil Society
A two-year project, 'REACT for Georgia: Resilient, Engaged, Active Civil Society for Transformation,' has been launched with the support of the European Union (EU) and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS). The initiative aims to enhance local civil society in Georgia's regions by promoting democratic governance and civic engagement.
The project will support local community initiatives, improve youth skills, and foster collaboration with local businesses. A grant component will be available to assist civil society hubs, local initiatives, civil activists, and corporate social responsibility efforts. Activities will take place across 10 regions of Georgia.
On February 26-27, the REACT project hosted a two-day inception workshop with regional partners. From March 2025, the REACT team will conduct meetings throughout Georgia to introduce the project's objectives to the public.
