EN
(The abstracted paper is also published in English: Ibid. 2004, Nr 1s(33), pp. 63-82). There is no single, universally acknowledged definition of social dialogue. Ultimately, its form and scope are defined by the limits of the law, social and political relations in effect, and the partners themselves. Social dialogue so viewed and defined is treated as an object, a form for conducting negotiations or building relations on a plane of labor relations, as well as political and economic relations. Even dialogue conducted around such values as economic freedom and social justice will, from this angle, be treated as a form for arriving at social consensus, not a prerequisite for achieving such values. Although true that social dialogue serves to reach the overriding objective—the building of social peace while making assessment of the present state of affairs—it is important not to forget the years and periods when none of the parties sat down at a table with the intention of talking.