Peculiarities in Implementing the Concept of Decent Work in Georgia: Challenges and Prospects

Murman Tsartsidze  Irma  Tkemaladze  Shota Gabadadze

Journal number 1 ∘ Murman Tsartsidze ∘ Irma Tkemaladze ∘ Shota Gabadadze ∘
Peculiarities in Implementing the Concept of Decent Work in Georgia: Challenges and Prospects

doi.org/10.52340/eab.2026.18.01.02.

In the context of ongoing globalization and the digital transformation of the economy, the concept of enhancing "decent work and quality of life" has become particularly relevant for achieving sustainable and stable development. The evolution of labor relations – and especially the provision of decent working conditions – must play a crucial role in this process. This issue is especially pressing in Georgia, where widespread, chronic unemployment remains one of the most acute and persistent challenges, recognized as a major driver of poverty. Addressing these problems requires close attention to the recommendations of the International Labor Organization regarding labor market regulation and social and labor relations more broadly, as well as the proper fulfillment of obligations outlined in the Association Agreement with the European Union.
The "Decent Work Concept," as a tool for implementing the global goals of the International Labor Organization, shifts the focus toward the quality of employment, social protection, security, and satisfaction with working conditions. Ensuring decent work has therefore become a global imperative. Its growing importance is closely linked to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the accelerated pace of automation, digital transformation, and the emergence of new social risks—all of which directly affect social and labor relations.
In these conditions, guaranteeing decent work requires greater emphasis on employment opportunities, security, social guarantees, and the development of social dialogue, alongside the establishment of uniform standards in social and labor relations at the international level. Many international researchers argue that the implementation of decent work (DW) standards forms the foundation of effective performance management, making it clear that achieving strategic goals is possible only through the creation of decent working conditions.
Against this backdrop, research into the challenges of achieving decent work is highly relevant – particularly for Georgia. In line with the Association Agreement signed between Georgia and the European Union (Agreement N200/42, 2014), which envisages active cooperation in the field of migration, a key priority is the introduction of modern labor standards. Central to this is the adoption of decent labor standards and the realization of the Decent Work Concept.
Decent work is an integral part of sustainable development, promoting both economic equality and social justice. The concept rests on four main strategic goals – its four pillars: Promoting and implementing fundamental principles and rights in the workplace; Expanding opportunities for decent employment and income for women and men; Increasing the scope and effectiveness of social protection; Strengthening social partnership and social dialogue. Decent work is therefore a comprehensive concept that addresses not only the existence of employment but also its quality, conditions, and outcomes—for individuals and for society as a whole. It represents an integrated approach to all aspects of work and is essential for poverty reduction and the achievement of sustainable development.
Recognizing this, in September 2015 the UN General Assembly made decent work and its four pillars integral elements of the 2030 Agenda. One of its central goals is to achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men by 2030. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) thus acknowledge decent work as a key driver of sustainable economic growth. Despite this global recognition, numerous challenges continue to hinder the implementation of decent work standards. According to the UN 2025 Sustainable Development Goals report, progress is constrained by: Declining global economic growth rates; Low labor productivity growth and weakening protection of labor rights; High levels of informal employment (58.0%); Elevated unemployment among women and young people, as well as a significant share of youth not engaged in education, employment, or vocational training (NEET)
For Georgia, despite relatively strong economic growth in recent years, persistent problems in the labor market and social relations have significantly hindered the implementation of the ILO–Georgia Decent Work Action Programme 2021–2025 (DWCP-Georgia-EN-10-06-2024). Key challenges include:
• High unemployment and poverty, accompanied by socio-economic vulnerability, gender inequality in labor force participation, and extensive labor emigration;
• Acute employment problems among young specialists, with a clear mismatch between skills and labor market demand;
• Low labor productivity across several sectors of the national economy;
• High levels of informal employment (29.1%), especially in rural areas (34.4%), undermining economic stability;
• Low average nominal and minimum wages, with no effective regulatory mechanism;
• Weak protection of labor rights, limited resources for labor inspection, and inadequate monitoring;
• Frequent violations of labor safety standards and weak trade unions;
• Underdeveloped systems of social partnership and dialogue among labor market stakeholders;
• Labor legislation, including the Labor Code, requiring further refinement to align fully with European labor standards.
Given these challenges, it is clear that the highest priority must be placed on ensuring decent, highly productive, and effective employment. At the international level, the principle long recognized by the International Labor Organization—“decent work is the foundation of human well-being and national development”—remains central. Realizing this principle requires the establishment of adequate social and labor relations within a modern, civilized labor market, the creation of systems of social justice and partnership, and the development and improvement of human capital.
This should become the core task of Georgia’s economic modernization and innovative development. Decent, effective employment is the foundation for inclusive economic growth and for raising living standards across the country.

Keywords: Decent work, concept, employment, globalization, digital transformation, sustainable development.
JEL Codes: J08, J21, J24, J38, O15

References:

• Lobzhanidze M. (2022). Umushvroba akhalgazrdebshi da profesiuli orientaciis mniSvneloba. [Youth Unemployment and Importance of Professional Orientation. The 4th International Scientific Conference Dedicated to the 100th Anniversary of the Faculty of Economics and Business of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University,
“Challenges of Globalization in Economics and Business.” Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University Press]. https://dspace.tsu.ge/items/f4ccfb0b-af6f-4723-905b-47b063816534. in Georgian
• Tkemaladze I. (2023). Sakartvelos tanamedrove shromis bazari – gamowvevebi da gadawris gzebi [Modern Labor Market in Georgia – Challeges and Solutions. Journal “Economics and Business“. 15(3), pp.74-91. Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University Press]. in Georgian
• Chikobava M., Kakulia N., Lobzhanidze M., Lazarashvili T., Tkemaladze I. (2026). Girseuli samushao adgilebis shekmnisa da ekonomikuri zrdis dachkarebis shesazleblobebi MMT-is (tanamedrove monetaruli teoriis) garantirebuli dasakmebis (JG) koncefciis gatvaliswinebit. [Creating Decent Jobs and Accelerating Economic Growth Considering the Guaranteed Employment (JG) Concept of MMT (Modern Monetary Theory). Journal “Economisti” No. 1. Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, P. Gugushvili Institute of Economics]. In Georgian
• Tsartsidze M. (2025). Sigaribis dazlevis perspeqtivebi sakartveloshi mimdinare globalizatsiisa da cifruli transformaciis pirobebshi. [Prospects for Overcoming Poverty in Georgia under the Conditions of Ongoing Globalization and Digital Transformation. ISBN 978-9941-525-21-6 Economic Science and the Economy of Georgia. Publishing House “Universali”]. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/ 396975486. in Georgian
• Tsartsidze M. (2025). Girseuli shroma (DW)-mdgradi, stabiluri ekonomikuri zrdis miRwevis strategiuli mizani sakartveloshi. [Decent Work (DW) as a Strategic Goal for Achieving Sustainable and Stable Economic Growth in Georgia Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Faculty of Economics and Business.
Proceedings of the 10th International Scientific Conference: “Challenges of Globalization in Economics and Business”]. in Georgian
• The Association Agreement between Georgia, of the one part, and the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the other part, No. 200/42, 27 June 2014. https://matsne.gov.ge/. in Georgian
• Resolution No. 662 of the Government of Georgia on the Approval of the National Strategy on Labour and Employment Policy of Georgia for 2019–2023, Tbilisi, 30 December 2019, p. 4. (matsne.gov.ge). in Georgian
• Decent Work and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (ILO, 2016). https://futureofwork-labourafterlaudatosi.net/2017/10/13/decent-work-and-the-2030-agenda-for-sustainable-development-ilo-2016/; https://www.trudcontrol.ru/files/editor/files/wcms_554824.pdf;
• Decent Work Country Programme Georgia 2024-2025 | International Labour Organization. DWCP-Georgia-EN-10-06-2024-proof.pdf;
• Decent Work. https://www.ilo.org/topics-and-sectors/decent-work;
• Employment and Decent Work. European Commission. https://international-partnerships.ec. europa.eu/policies/sustainable-growth-and-jobs/employment-and-decent-work_en;
• ILO-Declaration-2008. ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization. Adopted by the International Labour Conference at its Ninety-seventh Session, Geneva, 10 June 2008. https://www.ilo.org/sites/default/files/2024-12/ILO-Declaration-2008_En.pdf.
• ILO (1999). Report of the Director-General: Decent Work. International Labour Conference, 87th Session, Geneva. https://www.ilo.org/global/lang--en/index.htm.
• Opening Remarks by the Director-General to the International Labour Conference Decent Work for Sustainable Development ILO 96-2007/Report I (A. https://www.ilo.org › media › download.
• Report 2025, UNSD. Promote Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth, Employment and Decent Work for All. Goal 8: Economic Growth - United Nations Sustainable Development. The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025. https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/ report/2025/;
• Bedianashvili G., Tsartsidze M., Mikeladze N., Gabroshvili Z. (2024). Human Capital and Economic Growth under Modern Globalization, Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues 12(1): 268-289. https://doi.org/10.9770/jesi.2024.12.1(19).
• Tsartsidze m., Kereselidze L., Gabadadze Sh. (2025). Peculiarities of Labor Market Development in Georgia under the Conditions of Digital Transformation of the Economy and European Integration. Bulletin of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences, 19, n.4. science.org.ge/bnas/vol-19-4.html;
• Tukhashvili M., Shelia M., Taktakishvili G., Zubiashvili T., Chelidze N. (2012). Socio-economic Problems of Return Migration in Georgia. Publishing House “Universali. Tbilisi.
• Shelia M. Tukhashvili M. (2020). Exspecdet Emigration of Students from Georgia. Ecoforum. Volume 9, Issue 2(22). https://www.researchgate.net;
• Tukhashvili M., Tsartsidze M., Latsabidze N., Lobzhanidze M., Shelia M. (2018). Emigration Intentions of Students of Higher Education Institutions of Georgia (Examples from Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University). European Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences N3. :.139-14718.
• Kakulia N., Tkemaladze I. (2023). Macroeconomic Effects of Labor Market Regulation in Georgia. Journal „Innovative Economics and Management“. 10(3). pp. 6-13. DOI: https://doi.org/10.46361/2449-2604.10.3.2023.6-13.
• Tsartsidze M. (2025). Employment Change Trends in Georgia in the Context of Digital Transformation of the Economy and Ongoing European Integration. 8th International Multidisciplinary Academic Conference (IMAC). Latvia, Jurmala. https://irissymposium.wixsite.com /economics/our-support.

Economics and Business Referential and Reviewed International Scientific-Analytical Journal of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Faculty of Economics and Business

ISSN 1987-5789 ESSN 2587-5426 doi 10.52340	Journal number 1 ∘ Murman Tsartsidze ∘ Irma Tkemaladze ∘ Shota Gabadadze ∘ Peculiarities in Implementing the Concept of Decent Work in Georgia: Challenges and Prospects doi.org/10.52340/eab.2026.18.01.02. In the context of ongoing globalization and the digital transformation of the economy, the concept of enhancing "decent work and quality of life" has become particularly relevant for achieving sustainable and stable development. The evolution of labor relations – and especially the provision of decent working conditions – must play a crucial role in this process. This issue is especially pressing in Georgia, where widespread, chronic unemployment remains one of the most acute and persistent challenges, recognized as a major driver of poverty. Addressing these problems requires close attention to the recommendations of the International Labor Organization regarding labor market regulation and social and labor relations more broadly, as well as the proper fulfillment of obligations outlined in the Association Agreement with the European Union. The "Decent Work Concept," as a tool for implementing the global goals of the International Labor Organization, shifts the focus toward the quality of employment, social protection, security, and satisfaction with working conditions. Ensuring decent work has therefore become a global imperative. Its growing importance is closely linked to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the accelerated pace of automation, digital transformation, and the emergence of new social risks—all of which directly affect social and labor relations. In these conditions, guaranteeing decent work requires greater emphasis on employment opportunities, security, social guarantees, and the development of social dialogue, alongside the establishment of uniform standards in social and labor relations at the international level. Many international researchers argue that the implementation of decent work (DW) standards forms the foundation of effective performance management, making it clear that achieving strategic goals is possible only through the creation of decent working conditions. Against this backdrop, research into the challenges of achieving decent work is highly relevant – particularly for Georgia. In line with the Association Agreement signed between Georgia and the European Union (Agreement N200/42, 2014), which envisages active cooperation in the field of migration, a key priority is the introduction of modern labor standards. Central to this is the adoption of decent labor standards and the realization of the Decent Work Concept. Decent work is an integral part of sustainable development, promoting both economic equality and social justice. The concept rests on four main strategic goals – its four pillars: Promoting and implementing fundamental principles and rights in the workplace; Expanding opportunities for decent employment and income for women and men; Increasing the scope and effectiveness of social protection; Strengthening social partnership and social dialogue. Decent work is therefore a comprehensive concept that addresses not only the existence of employment but also its quality, conditions, and outcomes—for individuals and for society as a whole. It represents an integrated approach to all aspects of work and is essential for poverty reduction and the achievement of sustainable development. Recognizing this, in September 2015 the UN General Assembly made decent work and its four pillars integral elements of the 2030 Agenda. One of its central goals is to achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men by 2030. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) thus acknowledge decent work as a key driver of sustainable economic growth. Despite this global recognition, numerous challenges continue to hinder the implementation of decent work standards. According to the UN 2025 Sustainable Development Goals report, progress is constrained by: Declining global economic growth rates; Low labor productivity growth and weakening protection of labor rights; High levels of informal employment (58.0%); Elevated unemployment among women and young people, as well as a significant share of youth not engaged in education, employment, or vocational training (NEET) For Georgia, despite relatively strong economic growth in recent years, persistent problems in the labor market and social relations have significantly hindered the implementation of the ILO–Georgia Decent Work Action Programme 2021–2025 (DWCP-Georgia-EN-10-06-2024). Key challenges include: • High unemployment and poverty, accompanied by socio-economic vulnerability, gender inequality in labor force participation, and extensive labor emigration; • Acute employment problems among young specialists, with a clear mismatch between skills and labor market demand; • Low labor productivity across several sectors of the national economy; • High levels of informal employment (29.1%), especially in rural areas (34.4%), undermining economic stability; • Low average nominal and minimum wages, with no effective regulatory mechanism; • Weak protection of labor rights, limited resources for labor inspection, and inadequate monitoring; • Frequent violations of labor safety standards and weak trade unions; • Underdeveloped systems of social partnership and dialogue among labor market stakeholders; • Labor legislation, including the Labor Code, requiring further refinement to align fully with European labor standards. Given these challenges, it is clear that the highest priority must be placed on ensuring decent, highly productive, and effective employment. At the international level, the principle long recognized by the International Labor Organization—“decent work is the foundation of human well-being and national development”—remains central. Realizing this principle requires the establishment of adequate social and labor relations within a modern, civilized labor market, the creation of systems of social justice and partnership, and the development and improvement of human capital. This should become the core task of Georgia’s economic modernization and innovative development. Decent, effective employment is the foundation for inclusive economic growth and for raising living standards across the country. Keywords: Decent work, concept, employment, globalization, digital transformation, sustainable development. JEL Codes: J08, J21, J24, J38, O15 References: • Lobzhanidze M. (2022). Umushvroba akhalgazrdebshi da profesiuli orientaciis mniSvneloba. [Youth Unemployment and Importance of Professional Orientation. The 4th International Scientific Conference Dedicated to the 100th Anniversary of the Faculty of Economics and Business of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, “Challenges of Globalization in Economics and Business.” Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University Press]. https://dspace.tsu.ge/items/f4ccfb0b-af6f-4723-905b-47b063816534. in Georgian • Tkemaladze I. (2023). Sakartvelos tanamedrove shromis bazari – gamowvevebi da gadawris gzebi [Modern Labor Market in Georgia – Challeges and Solutions. Journal “Economics and Business“. 15(3), pp.74-91. Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University Press]. in Georgian • Chikobava M., Kakulia N., Lobzhanidze M., Lazarashvili T., Tkemaladze I. (2026). Girseuli samushao adgilebis shekmnisa da ekonomikuri zrdis dachkarebis shesazleblobebi MMT-is (tanamedrove monetaruli teoriis) garantirebuli dasakmebis (JG) koncefciis gatvaliswinebit. [Creating Decent Jobs and Accelerating Economic Growth Considering the Guaranteed Employment (JG) Concept of MMT (Modern Monetary Theory). Journal “Economisti” No. 1. Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, P. Gugushvili Institute of Economics]. In Georgian • Tsartsidze M. (2025). Sigaribis dazlevis perspeqtivebi sakartveloshi mimdinare globalizatsiisa da cifruli transformaciis pirobebshi. [Prospects for Overcoming Poverty in Georgia under the Conditions of Ongoing Globalization and Digital Transformation. ISBN 978-9941-525-21-6 Economic Science and the Economy of Georgia. Publishing House “Universali”]. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/ 396975486. in Georgian • Tsartsidze M. (2025). Girseuli shroma (DW)-mdgradi, stabiluri ekonomikuri zrdis miRwevis strategiuli mizani sakartveloshi. [Decent Work (DW) as a Strategic Goal for Achieving Sustainable and Stable Economic Growth in Georgia Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Faculty of Economics and Business. Proceedings of the 10th International Scientific Conference: “Challenges of Globalization in Economics and Business”]. in Georgian • The Association Agreement between Georgia, of the one part, and the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the other part, No. 200/42, 27 June 2014. https://matsne.gov.ge/. in Georgian • Resolution No. 662 of the Government of Georgia on the Approval of the National Strategy on Labour and Employment Policy of Georgia for 2019–2023, Tbilisi, 30 December 2019, p. 4. (matsne.gov.ge). in Georgian • Decent Work and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (ILO, 2016). https://futureofwork-labourafterlaudatosi.net/2017/10/13/decent-work-and-the-2030-agenda-for-sustainable-development-ilo-2016/; https://www.trudcontrol.ru/files/editor/files/wcms_554824.pdf; • Decent Work Country Programme Georgia 2024-2025 \| International Labour Organization. DWCP-Georgia-EN-10-06-2024-proof.pdf; • Decent Work. https://www.ilo.org/topics-and-sectors/decent-work; • Employment and Decent Work. European Commission. https://international-partnerships.ec. europa.eu/policies/sustainable-growth-and-jobs/employment-and-decent-work_en; • ILO-Declaration-2008. ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization. Adopted by the International Labour Conference at its Ninety-seventh Session, Geneva, 10 June 2008. https://www.ilo.org/sites/default/files/2024-12/ILO-Declaration-2008_En.pdf. • ILO (1999). Report of the Director-General: Decent Work. International Labour Conference, 87th Session, Geneva. https://www.ilo.org/global/lang--en/index.htm. • Opening Remarks by the Director-General to the International Labour Conference Decent Work for Sustainable Development ILO 96-2007/Report I (A. https://www.ilo.org › media › download. • Report 2025, UNSD. Promote Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth, Employment and Decent Work for All. Goal 8: Economic Growth - United Nations Sustainable Development. The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025. https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/ report/2025/; • Bedianashvili G., Tsartsidze M., Mikeladze N., Gabroshvili Z. (2024). Human Capital and Economic Growth under Modern Globalization, Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues 12(1): 268-289. https://doi.org/10.9770/jesi.2024.12.1(19). • Tsartsidze m., Kereselidze L., Gabadadze Sh. (2025). Peculiarities of Labor Market Development in Georgia under the Conditions of Digital Transformation of the Economy and European Integration. Bulletin of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences, 19, n.4. science.org.ge/bnas/vol-19-4.html; • Tukhashvili M., Shelia M., Taktakishvili G., Zubiashvili T., Chelidze N. (2012). Socio-economic Problems of Return Migration in Georgia. Publishing House “Universali. Tbilisi. • Shelia M. Tukhashvili M. (2020). Exspecdet Emigration of Students from Georgia. Ecoforum. Volume 9, Issue 2(22). https://www.researchgate.net; • Tukhashvili M., Tsartsidze M., Latsabidze N., Lobzhanidze M., Shelia M. (2018). Emigration Intentions of Students of Higher Education Institutions of Georgia (Examples from Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University). European Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences N3. :.139-14718. • Kakulia N., Tkemaladze I. (2023). Macroeconomic Effects of Labor Market Regulation in Georgia. Journal „Innovative Economics and Management“. 10(3). pp. 6-13. DOI: https://doi.org/10.46361/2449-2604.10.3.2023.6-13. • Tsartsidze M. (2025). Employment Change Trends in Georgia in the Context of Digital Transformation of the Economy and Ongoing European Integration. 8th International Multidisciplinary Academic Conference (IMAC). Latvia, Jurmala. https://irissymposium.wixsite.com /economics/our-support.