Georgian authorities reject trade union registration for public servants again

Georgia’s Public Registry has once again refused to register an independent trade union for civil servants, citing concerns over its name potentially misleading third parties.

The requested name, “Independent Trade Union of Civil Servants – Article 78 of the Constitution,” was deemed too similar to existing organizations, prompting the registry to block the application.

“For the seventh time, we have been refused. The reasons given by the Public Registry and the Ministry of Justice are completely unacceptable from a legal perspective,” said Kakhi Samkharadze, one of the trade union’s founders, during a briefing organized by Transparency International Georgia. He added that the group has appealed to the International Labour Organization (ILO) for intervention.

The latest rejection, issued on February 24, states that the proposed name could create confusion with three existing unions. The decision gives the applicants 30 days to modify the name and reapply.

The move comes amid growing tensions between civil servants and the government. In December 2024, civil servants attempted to form a union following controversial amendments to the Civil Service Law, which critics argue weaken job security. The changes, fast-tracked by the ruling Georgian Dream party, prevent civil servants dismissed due to “reorganization” from seeking reinstatement.

Since November 28, 2024, civil servants from the Ministry of Defense, Education, Foreign Affairs, Tbilisi City Hall, and other agencies have signed petitions opposing the government’s refusal to open EU accession negotiations until 2028. The government’s stance has fueled discontent, particularly among pro-European factions.

Transparency International Georgia has condemned the Public Registry’s decision, calling it politically motivated and a restriction on workers’ rights. The rejected union’s founders say they remain committed to their cause and will continue to fight for legal recognition.