Promoting the Right to Freedom of Association and the Right to Collective Bargaining (FOACB)

The Project will contribute to improving labour-relations in Sri Lanka.

Partners:

Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, Department of Labour (DOL), Board of Investment in Sri Lanka (BOI), EFC and Trade Unions

Target Beneficiaries:

Employers & their organizations, workers & their organizations, BOI and DOL officials

Regional Focus:

Ready Made Garment Industry in Sri Lanka (within and outside the Free Trade Zones)

Objectives:

Improved respect for freedom of association and collective bargaining rights in law and practice in target countries and sectors (ready-made garments – Sri Lanka)

Main Activities:

  • Supporting Labour Law reform.
  • Conduct a study on progress made and persistent challenges on FOACB rights in the RMG sector.
  • Support the development of a policy on collective bargaining in the RMG sector and submission to cabinet for approval.
  • Support the creation of a mediation unit within MOJLR to improve prevention and resolution of labour disputes.
  • Implement a practical training and in-factory counselling programme to improve industrial harmony and implementation of labour laws (short version of the ILO SCORE programme).
  • Carry out training for trade unions on how to implement FOACB in practice including education on national labour laws and ILS.
  • Provide technical support to the constituents for the collection of sex disaggregated data on violations of trade unions’ civil liberties.
  • Provide advisory services to tripartite constituents for the adoption of an action plan to promote FOACB and organize workers in the RMG sector.

Project Outcomes:

  • Draft national legislation is more in conformity with ILO Conventions No. 87 and No. 98.
  • Policies that create an enabling environment and promote the effective implementation of freedom of association and collective bargaining rights are discussed by the tripartite constituents.
  • Tripartite constituents are better informed and equipped to promote and exercise their rights and obligations in relation to freedom of association and collective bargaining.