Social workers from different parts of Estonia gathered in Saaremaa last night to form the Estonian Social Workers' Union, whose main task will be to conclude a nationwide wage agreement, agree on holiday and working conditions and resolve pension issues.

The new association will operate under the aegis of the Estonian Trade Union Confederation under the aegis of ROTAL. These organisations are supporting the nationwide grouping of social workers and the establishment of a social partnership with employers and the Ministry of Social Affairs.

"People who do social work do it mostly out of vocation and with heart. Unfortunately, however, fair pay and other working conditions for social workers have been unresolved for many years," said Lii Ristikivi, Paldiski Action Manager. "We want to offer a strong partnership so that our concerns can no longer be overlooked. We invite all social workers to join us."

"Social work must be valued. Society is ageing and important work needs people to do it," said ROTAL Chairman Kalle Liivamägi.

Peep Peterson, chairman of the Confederation of Trade Unions, said that a nationwide mobilisation of social workers is essential to tackle the challenges facing the sector. "We are also waiting for the employers to come together for a sector-level social dialogue. In health care, we see that regular cooperation has steadily improved working and financing conditions. Social sector workers deserve the same," said Peterson.