Promotion of Social Dialogue and
Tripartism by the ILO
Yuka Okumura GOVERNANCE, ILO
Table of contents
I. ILO’s background and reference documents in
relation with Social Dialogue and Tripartism
II. ILO’s Technical Assistance in the field of Social
Dialogue and Tripartism on the ground
III. Tripartism Plus, some examples
I. Background and reference
documents on Social Dialogue and
Tripartism
ILO Reference documents with regard to
Social Dialogue and Tripartism
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ILO Constitution (1919)
ILO Declaration of Philadelphia (1944)
International Labour Conventions Nos. 87, 98, 144, 150, 151 and 154, and
their accompanying Recommendations as well as Recommendation No. 113
ILO Decent Work Agenda (2000)
ILO Resolution on Social Dialogue and Tripartism (2002)
Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises
and Social Policy (adopted in 1977 and amended in 2000 and 2006)
ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization (2008)
ILO Strategic Policy Framework (2010-2015)
ILO Recurrent Discussion on Social Dialogue (2012) and its action plan
(2013-17)
Programme and Budget for 2014-15 and Proposals for 2016-17
Decent Work Country Programmes
Social Dialogue and Tripartism in the ILO
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The ILO is the only UN organisation which has a tripartite
structure. The organisation was founded in 1919, in the wake
of a destructive war, to pursue a vision based on the premise
that universal, lasting peace can be established only if it is
based on social justice. The ILO became the first specialized
agency of the UN in 1946.
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The unique tripartite structure of the ILO gives an equal voice
to workers, employers and governments to freely and openly
exchange their ideas and experiences and promote lasting
mechanisms of dialogue and consensus building.
ILO is convinced that promoting social dialogue and
tripartism is the most appropriate methods for:
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adapting the implementation of the strategic objectives to the needs and
circumstances of each country;
translating economic development into social progress, and social progress
into economic development;
facilitating consensus building on relevant national and international policies
that impact on employment and decent work strategies and programmes;
and
making labour law and institutions effective, including in respect of the
recognition of the employment relationship, the promotion of good
industrial relations and the building of effective labour inspection systems
Translating economic development into social progress,
and social progress into economic development
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ILO believes that in a world of growing interdependence and
complexity and the internationalization of production:
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the fundamental values of freedom, human dignity, social justice,
security and non-discrimination are essential for sustainable
economic and social development and efficiency;
social dialogue and the practice of tripartism between governments
and the representative organizations of workers and employers
within and across borders are now more relevant to achieving
solutions and to building up social cohesion and the rule of law
through, among other means, international labour standards;
the importance of the employment relationship should be recognized
as a means of providing legal protection to workers;
productive, profitable and sustainable enterprises, together with a
strong social economy and a viable public sector, are critical to
sustainable economic development and employment opportunities
C144 - Tripartite Consultation: one of the priority
conventions of the ILO
Fundamental
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C029 - Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29)
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P029 - Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930
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C087 - Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87)
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C098 - Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98)
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C100 - Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100)
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C105 - Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105)
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C111 - Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111)
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C138 - Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138)
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C182 - Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182)
Governance (Priority)
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C081 - Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81)
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P081 - Protocol of 1995 to the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947
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C122 - Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122)
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C129 - Labour Inspection (Agriculture) Convention, 1969 (No. 129)
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C144 - Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No.
144)
II. ILO’s Technical Assistance in the field
of Social Dialogue and Tripartism on the
ground
Decent Work Agenda
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Work is central to people's well-being. In addition to providing income, work can
pave the way for broader social and economic advancement, strengthening
individuals, their families and communities. Such progress, however, hinges on work
that is decent. Decent work sums up the aspirations of people in their working
lives.
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Putting the Decent Work Agenda into practice is achieved through the
implementation of the ILO's four strategic objectives:
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Creating Jobs – an economy that generates opportunities for investment,
entrepreneurship, skills development, job creation and sustainable livelihoods.
Guaranteeing rights at work – to obtain recognition and respect for the rights of workers.
All workers, and in particular disadvantaged or poor workers, need representation,
participation, and laws that work for their interests.
Extending social protection – to promote both inclusion and productivity by ensuring that
women and men enjoy working conditions that are safe, allow adequate free time and rest,
take into account family and social values, provide for adequate compensation in case of
lost or reduced income and permit access to adequate healthcare.
Promoting social dialogue – Involving strong and independent workers’ and
employers' organizations is central to increasing productivity, avoiding disputes
at work, and building cohesive societies.
ILO Decent Work Agenda
Guaranteeing rights
at work
Creating jobs
Decent
Work
Agenda
Reinforcing tripartism and
social dialogue
2008 ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization
- Equal importance of the 4 strategic objectives
- One cannot be achieved without the others
Gender
Equality : a
crosscutting
objective
Extending
social
protection
Status of Decent Work Country Programme Development by Regions
(as at 15 September 2014)
Draft DWCP document (1)
DWCP final document (2)
Total number of
member States with
Approved by the Regional Director finalized DWCP or in
process of DWCP
elaboration
Region
In drafting process and in
consultation with tripartite
constituents
Africa*
14
33
47
Arab States
0
4
4
Asia and the Pacific
5
13
18
Latin America and the
Caribbean**
12
5
17
Europe and Central Asia
6
6
12
Total
37
61
98
* In addition to DWCPs, there are two sub-regional Programmes for East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC). The
latter is in drafting stage.
** In addition there is one DWCP for OECS members (Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
and Monserrat - six ILO member States and a non-metropolitan territory).
Explanatory Notes:
(1) Draft DWCP documents include all elements of DWCPs, developed through a process of consultation with tripartite constituents. They are appraised through
the quality assurance process.
(2) DWCP final documents that, while subject to modification if conditions change, have met the requirement for approval and can be cited as the vehicle for ILO
action.
ILO action on the ground for the promotion
of Social Dialogue and Tripartism
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The ILO encourages tripartism within Member States by promoting social dialogue
to help design and implement national policies. Achieving fair terms of employment,
decent working conditions, and development for the benefit of all cannot be
achieved without the active involvement of workers, employers and governments,
including a broad-based effort by all of them.
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Effective social dialogue depends on:
1.Respect for the fundamental rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining .
Respect of freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining (ILO Conventions
Nos. 87 and 98) and other fundamental principles and rights at work
2. Legitimate, independent and representative workers’ and employers’ organisations
3. Political will to engage in social dialogue and respect for the role of social partners
importance of “building trust”
4. Sound industrial relations environment (effective law enforcement institutions, effective
dispute resolution mechanisms...)
5. Appropriate institutional support
6. Technical competence (capacity to deliver and implement agreements)
– How can the ILO help promote Social
Dialogue and Tripartism?
ADVISORY SERVICES
• Building strong and functional institutions
and processes for social dialogue
• Support Labour law reform
• Building Dispute resolution mechanisms
• Promote the ratification and
implementation of international labour
standards
KNOWLEDGE SHARING
* Research
* Sharing of good practice
* Comparative Law
* Knowledge base
CAPACITY-BUILDING
Reinforcing the capacities of
workers’ and employers’ organizations
Support labour administrations
and tripartite institutions
TRAINING (ITC-ILO)
* National Tripartite Social Dialogue
* Negotiation skills
* Conciliation & mediation skills
* Labour Court Judges
2010-15 ILO Strategic Policy Framework
Priorities:
19 OUTCOMES
Main Delivery
Mechanism:
Results-based management:
Outcome 12: Social Dialogue
DWCPs
Result Matrix and OBW
Outcome 12: “Tripartism and strengthened labour market governance contribute to effective
social dialogue and sound industrial relations”.
Indicator 12.1 : “ Number of member States that, with ILO support, strengthen social
dialogue institutions and mechanisms in line with international labour standards”.
Measurement criteria for Indicator 12.1: National tripartite institutions are established or
revitalised so that they have dedicated human and financial resources and function effectively
(they meet regularly and take decisions) as forums for consultations between the government
and the most representative employers’ and workers’ organisations.
17 DWCP Outcomes linked to 12,1 to be
achieved by the end of 2015
Lead Unit
BFA903 - [ACI7] Le renforcement du dialogue social qui intègre les questions de genre
62110 - CO-Abidjan
RWA151 - Strengthening social dialogue and sound industrial relations
62230 - CO-Dar es Salaam
AZE803 - National tripartite mechanism for social dialogue is revitalized and functions effectively
66310 - DWT/CO-Moscow
MDG202 - L'implication des mandants tripartites dans le renforcement du dialogue social et du système de
représentativité connaît un progrès sensible.
62220 - CO-Antananarivo
MAR151 - Des capacites renforces des institutions en charge du developpement du dialogue social.
62320 - CO-Algiers
OMN127 - Promotion of the social dialogue process to effectively contribute to the development of social and
economic policies
64110 - DWT-Beirut
TTO226 - Social dialogue institutions and mechanisms in Trinidad and Tobago have been strengthened
63110 - DWT/CO-Port of Spain
PER803 - Instituciones o mecanismos de diálogo social fortalecidos de conformidad con la NITS
63410 - DWT/CO-Lima
KEN803 - [ACI4] Increased capacities of social partners to participate effectively in social dialogue for social,
economic and labour policy development.
62010 - Africa Regional
Management
TCD803 - Les capacités des mandants tripartites et d'autres institutions concernées sont renforcées pour
contribuer à la promotion de l'emploi
62620 - CO-Kinshasa
ARG803 - Se fortalece la institucionalidad de los mecanismos existentes de diálogo social tripartito y se establecen
mecanismos para su articulación que propenda a la adopción e implementación coherente y coordinada de las
políticas públicas.
63040 - CO-Buenos Aires
TJK803 - Increased capacities of employers' and workers' organisations to participate effectively in the
development of social and labour policy
66310 - DWT/CO-Moscow
IND176 - Strengthened national and state level tripartite mechanisms for effective social dialogue and industrial
relations
65310 - DWT/CO-New Delhi
GEO803 - Increased capacities of employers' and workers' organisations to participate effectively in the
development of social and labour policy
66310 - DWT/CO-Moscow
VNM101 - Effective social dialogue and sound industrial relations promoting better working conditions
65130 - CO-Hanoi
TUN803 - Increased capacities of employers' and workers' organisations to participate effectively in the
development of social and labour policy.
62320 - CO-Algiers
III. Tripartism plus
some examples
Resolution concerning tripartism and social dialogue
Adopted on 18 June 2002
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The General Conference of the International Labour Organization,
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Recalling the Constitution of the International Labour Organization,
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Recalling Conventions Nos. 87, 98, 144, 150, 151 and 154, and the Recommendations accompanying them as well as Recommendation
No. 113,
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Underlining the founding of the International Labour Organization in 1919 as a unique tripartite structure with the objective of “universal
and lasting peace”,
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Reaffirming the importance of the tripartite nature of the International Labour Organization, which is the only international organization
where governments and representatives of workers’ and employers’ organizations can freely and openly exchange their ideas and
experiences and promote lasting mechanisms of dialogue and consensus building,
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Stressing that among the strategic objectives of the International Labour Organization is the strengthening of tripartism and social
dialogue,
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Aware that social dialogue and tripartism have proved to be valuable and democratic means to address social
concerns, build consensus, help elaborate international labour standards and examine a wide range of labour issues on
which the social partners play a direct, legitimate and irreplaceable role,
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Reaffirming that legitimate, independent and democratic organizations of workers and employers, engaging in
dialogue and collective bargaining, bring a tradition of social peace based on free negotiations and accommodation of
conflicting interests, therefore making social dialogue a central element of democratic societies,
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Recalling the numerous challenges and opportunities facing the world of work in the framework of on-going
globalization and the importance of strengthening the collaboration between the social partners and governments in
order to achieve appropriate solutions at national, regional and international levels and, most pertinently, in the
International Labour Organization,
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Recalling the essential role of the social partners in stable economic and social development, democratization and
participative development and in examining and reinforcing the role of international cooperation for poverty
eradication, promotion of full employment and decent work, which ensure social cohesion of countries,
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Stressing that social dialogue and tripartism are modern and dynamic processes that have unique capacity and great
potential to contribute to progress in many difficult and challenging situations and issues, including those related to
globalization, regional integration and transition,
Resolution concerning tripartism and social dialogue
(suite)
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Emphasizing that the social partners are open to dialogue and that they
work in the field with NGOs that share the same values and objectives and
pursue them in a constructive manner;
recognizing the potential for the International Labour Office to collaborate
with civil society following appropriate consultations with the tripartite
constituents,
Noting the valuable contributions of civil society institutions and
organizations in assisting the Office in carrying out its work – particularly in
the fields of child labour, migrant workers and workers with disabilities; and
recognizing that forms of dialogue other than social dialogue are most
useful when all parties respect the respective roles and responsibilities of
others, particularly concerning questions of representation;
Resolution concerning tripartism and social dialogue
(suite)
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1. Invites the governments to ensure that the necessary preconditions exist
for social dialogue, including respect for the fundamental principles and the
right to freedom of association and collective bargaining, a sound industrial
relations environment, and respect for the role of the social partners, and
invites governments as well as workers’ and employers’ organizations to
promote and enhance tripartism and social dialogue, especially in sectors
where tripartism and social dialogue are absent or hardly exist:
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(a) invites workers’ organizations to continue to empower workers in
sectors where representation is low in order to enable them to exercise
their rights and defend their interests;
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(b) invites employers’ organizations to reach out to sectors where
representation levels are low in order to support the development of a
business environment in which tripartism and social dialogue can flourish.
Resolution concerning tripartism and social dialogue
(suite)
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2. Invites the Governing Body of the International Labour Office to instruct the Director- General to ensure
that the International Labour Organization and its Office within existing resources of the Organization:
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(a) consolidate the tripartite nature of the Organization – governments, workers and employers –legitimately
representing the aspirations of its constituents in the world of work;
(b) continue to this end their efforts to strengthen employers’ and workers’ organizations to enable them better to
collaborate in the work of the Office and be more effective in their countries;
(c) enhance the role of tripartism and social dialogue in the Organization, both as one of its four strategic objectives and as a
tool to make operational all strategic objectives, as well as the cross-cutting issues of gender and development;
(d) promote the ratification and application of ILO standards specifically addressing social dialogue, as set out in the preamble
above and continue to promote the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work;
(e) promote the involvement of the social partners in a meaningful consultative process in labour reforms, including dealing
with the core Conventions and other work-related legislation;
(f) carry out in-depth studies of social dialogue in collaboration with the Organization’s constituents with a view to enhancing
the capacity of labour administrations and workers’ and employers’ organizations to participate in social dialogue; reinforce
the role and all the functions of the Social Dialogue Sector within the Office and in particular its capacity to promote social
dialogue in all the strategic objectives of the Organization, and recognize the unique functions and roles of the Bureaux for
Employers’ and Workers’ Activities within the Office and strengthen their abilities to provide services to employers’ and
workers’ organizations worldwide in order to enable them to maximize the outcome of the Office’s work;
(h) promote and reinforce the tripartite activities of the Organization to determine its policies and work priorities, and
further develop technical cooperation programmes and other mechanisms with the social partners and governments to help
strengthen their capacities, services and representation;
(i) reiterate in headquarters and in the field the importance of strengthening the tripartite structure of the International
Labour Organization and to ensure that the Office works with and for the constituents of the Organization;
(j) ensure that the tripartite constituents will be consulted as appropriate in the selection of and relationships
with other civil society organizations with which the International Labour Organization might work.
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Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning
Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (adopted
in 1977 and amended in 2000 and 2006)
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Today, the prominent role of multinational enterprises in the process of social and
economic globalization renders the application of the principles of the MNE
Declaration as timely and necessary as they were at the time of adoption. As efforts
to attract and boost foreign direct investment gather momentum within and across
many parts of the world, the parties concerned have a new opportunity to use the
principles of the Declaration as guidelines for enhancing the positive social and
labour effects of the operations of multinational enterprises.
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Specific Provisions concerning social dialogue:
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Industrial relations
Freedom of association and the right to organize
Collective bargaining
Consultation
Examination of grievances
Settlement of industrial disputes
ILO Strategic Framework for the Programme and Budget
2016-2017 requires broader social dialogue and consultation
especially for outcome 5,6,8 and 9
10 Outcome areas
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Promoting more and better jobs especially for youth
Ratification and application of international labour standards
Creating and extending social protection floors
Promoting sustainable enterprises
Decent Work in the rural economy
Formalization of the informal economy
Promoting workplace compliance through labour inspection
Protection of workers from unacceptable forms of work
Promoting fair and effective labour migration policies
Strong and representative Employers’ and Workers’ Organizations
3 Mandatory Cross cutting issues
1. Social dialogue
2. International Labour Standards
3. Gender equality
Two more examples of broader social
dialogue in the ILO
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Adotion of C189 - Domestic Workers Convention, 2011
(No. 189) Convention concerning decent work for
domestic workers (Entry into force: 05 Sep 2013)
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Global Supply Chain Discussion at the International
Labour Conference in 2016 (general discussion)
Quotes…
“What concerns the ILO in particular is the fact that the
economic progress which has been achieved has benefited only a
small sector of the population. To some extent, the ILO itself may
have contributed to this situation. By assisting in the
development of institutions similar to those existing in the
industrialized societies of Europe and North America - such as
social security systems, trade unions, and collective bargaining - it
may have helped to strengthen the position of the privileged
sectors of society the civil servants, the managers, and the skilled
workers. I am not suggesting that the ILO should now abandon
its fundamental principles; but I am suggesting that it should
make every effort to redress the alarming imbalances that have
arisen in the societies of developing countries.”
“(…) we also need more dialogue with and between those not
represented in the giant organizations of modern society; and this may
entail a thorough-going revision of the structures and decision-making
processes of society. For these are the only means that I can see by
which the growing frustrations and discontent can be prevented from
becoming a truly explosive - or at least seriously erosive - force in
society.
The ILO has given the world the concept of the industrial dialogue; in
the years to come it must seek to broaden the scope, and increase the
substance, of that dialogue. And it will be for other organizations national and international - to transpose both the concept and the
substance to all aspects of national life - to the schools and
universities, to the churches, to the political parties and central and
local government, to the youth clubs and welfare services - if society as
a whole is to attain the cohesion and the sense of collective
responsibility which are so essential to its survival. (…)”
“The goal of "social justice" which the ILO's founding
fathers wrote into the Treaty of Versailles has proved to be
a dynamic concept. As soon as one problem has been
successfully tackled, new and unforeseen problems arise
which present a major challenge to the social conscience of
mankind. Thus, the ILO has never seen, and will never see,
its role as that of a defender of the status quo; it will
continue to seek to promote social evolution by peaceful
means, to identify emerging social needs and problems and
threats to social peace, and to stimulate action to deal with
such problems. (…)”
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By David A. Morse, who spoke in behalf of the
International Labor Organization at the Nobel lecture
delivered in the auditorium of the Nobel Institute in 1969
“For there are still, to paraphrase the words of Frédéric
Passy, dangerous explosives in the hidden depths of the
community - the national community and the world
community. To the defusing of these explosives, to the
building of a truly peaceful world order based on social
justice, the ILO, with the immense encouragement it derives
from the unique distinction of the Nobel Peace Prize,
solemnly dedicates its second half-century of existence.”
Thank you !