5. Social and Political Activity of Trade Unions and cooperation with other structures 5.1 Activity of Trade Unions in the Social Life Social activity expected from TUs can be expressed and/or is expressed in two main directions: 1. organization of events on social issues, 2. organization of events on human rights issues. According to respondents, each TU level receives an amount which is insufficient for serious initiatives. The most part of funds is spent on the organization of events on social issues, mainly fiestas and holidays(professional holiday, New Year, Happy birthdays), as well as sport competitions, excursions etc. The goal of these events is to develop collective solidarity among TU members, emphasize their professional dignity, improve work motivation, and on the other hand, to show the work of the TU and the tangible outcome of amounts allocated by members. Sometimes in separate cases TU organizations are able to provide to members financial support and necessary means for rehabilitation(a few sanatorium vouchers with partly payment, sour cream for employees working in conditions harmful for health, etc.). Thus, according to interviewed TU leaders, the substance of TU activities is the organization of social events. Therefore, it obvious that TU doesn’t fully carry out its role, especially to represent and defend labor and labor related social and other interests and rights of employees at employer and/or third person 20 . According to our assessment this issue has two aspects: - the majority of TU leaders and representatives are led by stereotypes of the Soviet era TU working style and are not used to the requirements of democracy. - the society still expect from the TU functions that they had during Soviet years. The above presented comes to prove that TUs leader still preserve the Soviet style thinking that the TU is an allocator of benefits. Because of that many mention the inability to issue sanatorium vouchers and settle their social issues as an indicator of ineffective functioning, and the financial shortage, as an obstacle. As regards to events aimed at human rights defense, it is worth noting that they are rarely organized. It is mainly explained through two circumstances: • shortage of financial means, 20 Article 15a, the RA Law on Trade Unions. 30