Social Dialogue

Social dialogue is increasingly being accepted as the best means to confront challenges, seize opportunities and manage the effects of change, whilst balancing the interests of governments, employers and workers. The 90th session of the International Labour Conference adopted a resolution calling for governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations to promote and enhance tripartism and social dialogue, in particular, in those sectors where it is deficient. Although social dialogue is well developed in some parts of the industry, it is deficient and does not exist in others. There is a need for capacity building for social dialogue of tripartite constituents, particularly in developing countries or countries in transition.

The ILO Tripartite Meeting on Managing the Privatization and Restructuring of Public Utilities (water, electricity, gas) was held in April, 1999, with the purpose of exchanging views on experiences in the processes of privatization and restructuring of public utilities and their impact on employment, working conditions, human resource development, and service delivery. The Conclusions adopted at the Meeting underscored the importance of social dialogue which should take place at all appropriate stages of the decision-making process.

The ILO Joint Meeting on the Impact of Decentralization and Privatization on Municipal Services held in Geneva in October 2001 discussed various employment and labour issues relating to reforms in utilities services as well as in education, health and transport services. The participants in this Joint Meeting agreed and noted in the Conclusions adopted that decentralization and privatization were not ends in themselves but the means to fulfil the responsibility of governments to deliver quality public services to their citizens. They also stressed social dialogue as an essential prerequisite for designing, implementing and evaluating all reforms of public services.

The Conclusions adopted at the Tripartite Meeting on Challenges and Opportunities facing Public Utilities held in Geneva May 2003 reiterated the Conclusions adopted in 1999 that public utilities were essential services that played a vital role in economic and social development and that they must serve the public interest whether they were provided publicly or privately. The Meeting recognized the importance of social dialogue through which all parties concerned should be able to develop mutually beneficial solutions to socio-economic, employment and environmental challenges posed by the changing global economic environment. Respecting and complying with the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy as well as the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and its Follow-up would be essential if social dialogue is truly promoted in law and practice.