Answer by LAT Trade Union Confed Feb 2011 on question 2010-11

[pic] |Latvijas Brīvo arodbiedrību savienībaBruņinieku 29/31, Rīga, LV-1001Tālrunis: 67270351, 67035960Fakss: 67276649, E-pasts: lbas@lbas.lvJuridiskā adrese: Bruņinieku 29/31, Rīga, LV – 1001Reģ. Nr.: LV50008043851SEB Latvijas Unibanka, kods: UNLALV2X002Konts: LV68UNLA0002000695682 | |Silva Bendrāte, MPSaeima of the Republic of Latviae-mail: Ingrida.Putnina@saeima.lv18.10.2010., No._______re: 08.02.2011., No.12/18-4-n/23-2011.Dear Silva Bendrāte:In response to your letter regarding preventive measures against human trafficking, we would like to inform you that the Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia (hereinafter, LBAS) supports discussions on this issue and, insofar as its authority permits, is taking preventive measures against human trafficking.According to the information provided by the Ministry of the Interior, Latvia is rather a country of origin not the recipient country of victims of human trafficking; therefore, the greatest assistance has to be provided to individuals who are going to work abroad. We would like to emphasise that the LBAS and its member organisations are cooperating with foreign trade unions on matters related to employment rights and occupational safety. Information on work conditions and occupational safety abroad is provided to members of trade unions. Thus, by raising employees’ awareness and understanding of the significance of legal employment and relevant rights abroad, individual human trafficking incidents are prevented.With regard to prevention of human trafficking in the territory of Latvia, we would like to inform you that the LBAS is already contributing to preventive measures that are being implemented. Within the framework of the project Practical Application of the Legislation on Occupational Safety and Health and Labour Relations in Sectors and Enterprises, which is co-funded by the European Social Fund, the LBAS explains to employees the issues related to employment rights and occupational safety. One of the main and most important project activities is the establishment of advisory centres in four districts (the cities of Valmiera, Jelgava, Daugavpils, Liepāja) and Riga; these centres offer consultations to employees on the practical application of regulatory documents in the areas of legal employment relations and employment protection. At these centres, individuals, including actual or potential victims of human trafficking, can receive free consultations and legal assistance. The LBAS is ready to cooperate and inform relevant public institutions about registered or potential human trafficking incidents. Furthermore, in the area of employment rights and occupational safety, the LBAS is collaborating with the State Labour Inspectorate and NGOs.Sincerely,President of the LBAS P. Krīgeris