11-14 May 2009

The Tripartite Meeting on Promoting Social Dialogue and Good Industrial Relations from Oil and Gas Exploration and Production to Oil and Gas Distribution will be held at the International Labour Office, in Geneva, from 11-14 May 2009.

Composition of the Meeting

The Meeting will be composed of delegates from all interested governments, 12 Employer representatives and 12 Worker representatives appointed by the Governing Body on the basis of nominations submitted by the Director-General after consultations with the Employers’ and the Workers’ groups, respectively. The meeting is open to other interested Employer and Worker representatives, at their own cost, designated after consultations with their respective groups. In addition, representatives of certain intergovernmental organizations and observers representing certain international non-governmental organizations have been invited to attend the Meeting.

Purpose of the Meeting

At its 300th Session (November 2007), the Governing Body of the International Labour Office decided that the purpose of the Meeting should be to focus on recent developments, contract work employment, industrial relations, social dialogue and the implication of contract work issues in the oil production and oil transportation sectors, using a report prepared by the Office as a basis for the discussions, and will adopt conclusions that include proposals for action by governments, by employers’ and workers’ organizations, and by the ILO. The report which will serve as the basis for the Meeting’s work is available in English, French and Spanish. A summary of the report and the suggested points for discussion are also available in Arabic, Chinese, German and Russian.

Suggested points for discussion

1. How can decent employment creation, increased efficiency and competitiveness in the oil industry be better combined? Which social measures should accompany changing employment practices?
2. What are the key elements that underpin good industrial relations in the oil industry? What measures could be taken by governments and the social partners to promote and ensure good industrial relations?
3. What are the challenges and opportunities of contract labour in the oil industry? What measures could be taken in order to address the implications of a contract workforce on workers’ rights and their safety and health?
4. What skills and qualifications are conducive to sustainable development of employment in the oil industry? How could the industry be made more attractive to young workers and provide better opportunities for training and career development, particularly for women?
5. How can social dialogue, good governance practices and voluntary initiatives promote sustainable enterprises and contribute to decent work in the oil industry?
6. What measures should the ILO take to contribute to promoting social dialogue and good industrial relations in the oil industry?

Sectoral Activities Programme

This Meeting is part of the ILO's Sectoral Activities Programme.

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