Freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining

Myanmar - Promoting Rights at Work in Myanmar

21 September 2012

Donor – US Department of State The recently initiated political reform process in Myanmar has opened a window of opportunity for the international community to support the country’s peaceful transition towards democracy after years of military rule and international sanctions. Since 1999, Myanmar has not received technical cooperation from the ILO except for the purpose of combating forced labour. In its 101st session in 2012, the International Labour Conference decided to lift the restrictions and requested that urgent attention be given to technical cooperation priorities such as the effective and full realization of the right to freedom of association, as well as the elimination of forced labour. Today, it is of vital importance to support national constituents in their efforts to make freedom of association a reality – in law and in practice.

Bangladesh - Promoting Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work

01 October 2011

Donor - US Departement of Labour Bangladesh is a densely populated country with a rapidly increasing labour force of 77 million women and men (CIA World Factbook, 2012). The overall economic importance of Bangladesh’s export sector and the Ready Made Garment (RMG) industry in particular, cannot be over emphasized. The attractive fiscal advantages, abundant and cheap labour, and mass scale production available in Bangladesh, make it a highly competitive and growing destination for foreign investors. The sector continues to grow and is poised to become the largest clothing manufacturer and exporter in the world. International brands cite improvement in ILS compliance as one of the fundamental determinants to their sourcing and expansion decisions.
Philippines - Promoting the effective recognition and implementation of the fundamental rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining in the Philippines

27 September 2011

The Philippines, a democratic republic with a multi-party political system, has a relatively well developed and long history of labour and social legislation. Two years after its independence in 1946, the country joined the International Labour Organization (ILO), and in 1953, it became one of the first Asian countries to ratify the two ILO core conventions on the fundamental rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining.

Sri Lanka - Promoting Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work in Sri Lanka

30 September 2009

Donor: US Department of Labor - Sri Lanka is a democratic country with a market-based economy that has moved into the middle income country category over the past few years. Much of its economic growth has been dependent on the continuing demands of overseas exports. Export Processing Zones (EPZs) play a particularly important role in this context. The ILO Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR) and the Committee on Freedom of Association (CFA) have commented on the country’s application of the principle of freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining. Many of these comments were focused on anti-union practices in EPZs, such as restrictions on the right to organize, limitations on the right to strike, and restrained government action against anti-union discrimination and unjust dismissals.

Promoting and realizing fundamental principles and rights at work in the Indonesian national police

01 August 2003

Enhance the understanding and institutional capacity of the Indonesian National Police (POLRI) in the implementation of the fundamental principles and rights at work and its role to maintain law and order on the occasion of a labour dispute. Ensure that the Police role will contribute to the creation of sound, harmonious, and fully functioning industrial relations system in Indonesia.