The concept of social dialogue in the context of modern labor and socio-economic relations

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the concept of social dialogue, its essence and content, as well as the problems associated with its legislative definition in Ukraine. The current state of social dialogue is examined, the shortcomings of the definition of social dialogue enshrined in Article 1 of the Law of Ukraine «On Social Dialogue in Ukraine» are identified, and ways to improve it are proposed. It is concluded that social dialogue is a key tool for coordinating the interests of employees, employers, and the state, contributing to the stability and development of society. However, the lack of a unified approach to defining the concept of social dialogue complicates its effective practical application and the formation of a holistic concept. The article contains an analysis of scientific approaches to the definition of social dialogue, in particular, the views of such scholars as H.I. Chanysheva, N.V. Kolenda, M.V. Sorochyshyn, O.A. Tryukhan, Yu.M. Hryshyna, H.A. Trunova, and others are considered. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the legislative definition of social dialogue, enshrined in the Law of Ukraine «On Social Dialogue in Ukraine.» A number of shortcomings are pointed out, in the author’s opinion, regarding this definition, in particular: an incomplete list of social dialogue opportunities (lack of control over the implementation of adopted decisions); the inappropriateness of considering social dialogue exclusively as a process (it is proposed to consider it as a system of relationships). Based on the analysis, the work identifies the main features of social dialogue, such as multilateralism, procedurality, wide scope of application, flexibility, transparency, conflict prevention and dispute resolution, as well as a long-term nature. In order to improve the legislative definition of social dialogue, the author proposes to amend Article 1 of the Law of Ukraine «On Social Dialogue in Ukraine» and to state its concept in the following wording: social dialogue is a system of continuous interaction between employees, employers, and state and local self-government bodies, which includes negotiations, consultations, and other cooperation mechanisms aimed at ensuring social justice, preventing conflicts, and reaching compromise solutions in the field of economic, social, and labor relations. The article states that such changes will contribute to the formation of a modern, flexible, and effective model of social dialogue that will meet current challenges and ensure the proper development of this legal institution.