Workers' and Employers' organizations, tripartism and social dialogue

Underlying the ILO’s work is the importance of cooperation between governments, employers’ organizations and workers’ organizations in fostering social and economic progress. Dialogue among and between the governments and the two “social partners” promotes consensus building and democratic involvement of those with vital stakes in the world of work. The ILO is the only “tripartite” United Nations agency in that it brings together representatives of governments, employers and workers to jointly shape labour standards, policies and programmes. Social dialogue can mean negotiation, consultation or simply an exchange of information and views between representatives of employers, workers and governments.