In Latvia, the trade union representing public service and transport workers, LAKRS, has called on the Saeima, the country's legislature, to reject several proposed amendments to the Labor Law. According to the union, these changes could severely diminish the legal protections afforded to employees. Specifically, they emphasize the importance of Article 110 of the Labor Law, which prohibits employers from terminating employment contracts of union members without prior consent from the respective union, arguing this is a crucial mechanism for protecting workers' rights.

LAKRS argues that the legal framework currently ensures real, not just formal, respect for the rights of employees to freely associate in a union, especially for those lacking the resources to engage in lengthy legal battles. The union's letters highlight that its involvement in the termination process acts as a preventive measure, encouraging employers to more carefully assess and comply with procedural requirements. The union contends that any consent it provides for the termination is only given in cases that justifiably align with labor protections and legal standards.

This initiative reflects a broader concern in Latvia about the balance between labor rights and legislative changes that could progress the interests of employers at the expense of workers. The union's actions underscore the essential role of organized labor in advocating for worker protections and ensuring that legislative changes do not erode the hard-won gains made through collective bargaining and labor advocacy.