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Timor-Leste became independent on 20 May 2002 and
joined the ILO on 19 August 2003. Although it is still early
days for the new nation, a solid foundation has been laid with the
acceptance of the principle and practice of tripartism in social and
economic policy-making.
This approach means that major policies
and legislation are formulated based on a consultative process and
dialogue involving government, employers and workers. In
relation to this, three newly established tripartite bodies are
entrusted with the important task of dealing with social and labour
issues, namely the National Labour Board, the Labour Relations Board
and the Minimum Wages Board.
In order to assist with the development and operation of the new
system, the ILO is implementing a Project on Strengthening and
Improving Labour Relations in East Timor (SIMPLAR). Its
objective is to strengthen the capacity of the three boards, the
Secretariat of the Boards and the tripartite constituents.
Funded by the US Department of Labor, the Project became operational
in April 2002 and is scheduled to continue until early 2006.
The Project's main focus is to help in drafting new legislation,
preparing guidelines and manuals relating to implementation of the
labour laws, and training and capacity building for the participants
in the system. It also aims to develop the capacity of the
Secretary of State for labour and Solidarity in relation to the
implementation of the laws and the provision of services such as
dispute resolution, inspection and enforcement.
Furthermore, one of the important focuses of ILO interventions
has been to promote close cooperation and consultation among the
tripartite partners on policy making, implementation of the labour
code, and providing guidance to the development programmes of the
Secretary of State for Labour and Solidaity, including the technical
cooperation projects implemented by ILO with donor support.
For example, the Programme Steering Committee of a major
EU-UNDP-ILO programme on on skills training and employment promotion
is tripartite plus in composition. Similarly, a tripartite
Steering Committee manages and oversees operations of the
Employment and Vocational Training Fund (EVTF) established with
the assistance of the ILO with funding from various donors.
While the process of social dialogue and the establishment of
effective institutions can not be achieved overnight, Timor-Leste
has taken steps to ensure that government, employers and unions can
work together in tackling major social and employment issues - in
the true spirit of tripartism and social dialogue.
In Timor-Leste, the UN Mission is reducing its presence and will
be withdrawn in May 2005, in recognition of the increased capacity
in Government agencies to manage the country's affairs.
Development assistance is still required and ILO is seeking to
support the Secretariat for Labour and Solidarity in a range of
areas. As in Indonesia, addressing the unemployment challenges
is at the top of the agenda. |
