Ob mednarodnem prazniku dela je 40. epizoda GOVSI podkasta posvečena razmisleku o pomenu delavskih pravic nekoč in danes. Gostja, dolgoletna sindikalistka Lidija Jerkič, je opozorila, da pravice delavcev niso samoumevne, temveč rezultat dolgoletnega boja in prizadevanj. Praznik dela, ki ga obeležujemo 1. maja, ima korenine v delavskih protestih za osemurni delovnik v Chicagu leta 1886. Danes, več kot stoletje kasneje, ostaja simbol prizadevanj za dostojne delovne pogoje. Kot je poudarila Jerkičeva, se razmere sicer spreminjajo, a temeljno sporočilo ostaja enako: »Nič ni podarjeno, vse je priborjeno – in zelo hitro tudi izgubljeno.« Sindikati imajo po njenem mnenju še vedno ključno vlogo pri zastopanju interesov zaposlenih in sodelovanju v socialnem dialogu. V Sloveniji ta poteka tudi v okviru Ekonomsko-socialnega sveta, kjer sodelujejo predstavniki vlade, delodajalcev in delojemalcev. Kakovosten socialni dialog je po besedah sogovornice eden od temeljev stabilne in pravične družbe, ob tem je poudarila, da se v mandatu aktualne vlade socialni dialog zelo okrepil. Gostja je opozorila tudi na pomen ustrezne zakonodaje, kot je minimalna plača, ki po njenem mnenju postane nujna, kadar socialni dialog ne deluje dovolj učinkovito. Ob tem je izpostavila, da ima Slovenija razmeroma dobro pravno ureditev, vendar se težave pojavljajo pri njenem izvajanju. Ob zaključku je gostja poudarila pomen solidarnosti: »Posameznik sam težko stoji, skupaj pa je lažje. Pomembno je, da se ljudje zavedajo svojih pravic in jih tudi uveljavljajo.« Epizoda spodbuja razmislek o tem, kakšno družbo želimo graditi in kakšno mesto ima v njej delo – danes in v prihodnje. Vabljeni k ogledu in poslušanju. [ENGLISH VERSION] Government Podcast GOVSI: On May Day about the importance of workers’ rights, social dialogue and the challenges of the modern labour market On the occasion of International Workers’ Day, the 40th episode of the government GOVSI podcast is dedicated to reflecting on the importance of workers’ rights in the past and today. The guest - long-time trade unionist Lidija Jerkič - stressed that workers’ rights are not self-evident, but the result of long-term struggle and effort. Labour Day, celebrated on 1 May, has its roots in workers’ protests for the eight-hour workday in Chicago in 1886. Today, more than a century later, it remains a symbol of the fight for decent working conditions. As Jerkič pointed out, while circumstances change, the core message remains the same: “Nothing is given, everything is fought for – and it can be lost very quickly.” In her view, trade unions still play a key role in representing employees’ interests and participating in social dialogue. In Slovenia, this also takes place within the framework of the Economic and Social Council, which brings together representatives of the government, employers and employees. According to the guest, high-quality social dialogue is one of the foundations of a stable and fair society, and she emphasised that it has significantly strengthened during the current government’s term. The guest also highlighted the importance of appropriate legislation, such as the minimum wage, which becomes necessary when social dialogue does not function effectively. She noted that Slovenia has relatively well-developed labour legislation, but that problems often arise in its implementation. In conclusion, the guest emphasised the importance of solidarity: “An individual can hardly stand alone, but together it is easier. It is important that people are aware of their rights and also exercise them.” The episode encourages reflection on the kind of society we want to build and the place of work within it – today and in the future. You are invited to watch and listen.