More than 43,000 violations of labour law were identified in Lithuanian enterprises during the first quarter of 2004. The most common infringements concerned working time and delayed payment of wages. These are among the findings of research based on State Labour Inspectorate data as well as the results of a questionnaire survey of regional inspectors, trade union/employee representatives and employers.
The survey also examined the impact of psychological harassment on employees’ work, motivation and health. It unveils the following forms of psychological tactics in Lithuanian establishments:

• abuse of official positions (this answer was given by 61% of the trade union/employee representatives, 50% of the employers and 46% of VDI inspectors);
• verbal aggression – harassment, offensive language, etc (noted by 53% of the trade union/employee representatives, 41% of the employers and 33% of VDI inspectors).

The survey found that psychological harassment at work had a significant impact on working conditions, safety and the health of employees. According to the survey data, psychological harassment increased tension and anxiety, and could lead to depression. More than 60% of the employers participating in the survey reported that psychological harassment reduced working capacity, while 40% of them recognised that psychological harassment reduced motivation significantly.

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