Objectives

To contribute to East Timor’s social and economic progress through establishment and operations of an effective labour relations system including workable arrangements for the prevention and resolution of disputes.

Brief background

Timor-Leste gained independence on 20 May 2002. The new country faces many challenges in the form of stability, security, formulation and enforcement of the law, and strengthening of the capacity of the state machinery and other institutions for continued economic and social development of the country. The labour relations system is rudimentary. Weak capacity of the tripartite constituents (viz. the government and the employers and the workers organizations) makes it difficult for an effective social dialogue, resolution of disputes and enforcement of the East Timor Labour Code. The SIMPLAR project is a direct response to those problems. The project works closely with the State Secretariat of Labour and Solidarity (i.e. SSLS) and aims to strengthen its capacity as well as that of the employers and workers organizations. It is intended to strengthen other key institutions responsible for formulation and implementation of the law, resolution of industrial disputes and promoting social dialogue.             

Project strategy and implementation arrangements

The project is executed by ILO. It focuses on (a) capacity building of the ILO constituents including training of a core group of officials of the Division of Labour under the State Secretariat of Labour and Solidarity; (b) capacity building of the three tripartite boards (viz. National Labour Board, Labour Relations Board and Minimum Wages Board) and the Secretariat of the Boards; (c) assistance in the implementation, dissemination of information, and awareness raising on the labour code including gender sensitive aspects; and (d) promoting social dialogue for resolution of industrial disputes and an effective labour administration machinery.

Through the SIMPLAR project, the ILO has been promoting the principle of tripartism which is vital for a sound labour relations system in the country and which contributes to the social and economic development of the country.

Target groups/beneficiaries

Government, employers and workers organizations involved in labour relations system, members of the tripartite boards, and workers in general.