
The New Lithuanian Labor Code
The New Lithuanian Labor Code
Keywords: Lithuanian labor code (structure; general relations)
The adoption of the new Lithuanian Labor Code marked an important step forward in the regulation of labor relations in Lithuania. As are many new laws, it is not without defects and ostensibly will be amended. But the fact that a large number of individual labor laws were codified signifies an important attempt to systematize labor relations, which should add stability and cohesion to Lithuanian labor relations. The content and character of the Code reflects the changes that Lithuania underwent after re-establishment of its independence as well as its objectives as it stands on the threshold of the European Union. The new Lithuanian Labor Code is a combination of the provisions transferred from the individual labor laws that regulated labor relations in Lithuania for over ten years since Lithuania re-established its independence, and provisions that were drawn up based on the labor laws of other western democratic countries and EU labor law. The content and character of the Code also revealed the influence that it may have on the employment relationships of the subjects of labor relations. Since labor law is neither purely private nor purely public law, the employment relationship between the employer and employee is influenced by and has features of both. An analysis of the Code, however, brings us to the conclusion that labor relations are rather closely regulated by the state in Lithuania. The section by section analysis of the Code demonstrated that the degree of state influence on the regulation of collective and individual labor relations is not the same. Part II of the Code dealing with collective labor relations reflects a fairly moderate participation of the state in the regulation of labor relations. This part is more influenced by the EU labor law. Therefore, this part of the Code provides more opportunities for the dialogue and compromise between the subjects of labor law. Given the special social nature of labor law, a certain de
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