Publications

December 2021

  1. Survey on the future demand for vocational training in the textile sector in Brazil

    15 December 2021

    The objective of the survey is to provide technical support to partners in the sector to design and implement professional training strategies that enable them to develop the skills necessary for the success and growth of industries, while ensuring that workers have access to decent and productive jobs.

November 2021

  1. Covid-19, Collective Bargaining and Social Dialogue

    18 November 2021

    This report attempts to shed light on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the process and outcomes of collective bargaining in particular and social dialogue more generally. It is based upon the responses of more than 200 trade union officials to an online global survey carried out between March and May of 2021 and includes the insights of frontline union negotiators who were subjected to in-depth interviews by the authors.

  2. Trade Union common position paper: Building Back Better from COVID-19 in Sri Lanka

    15 November 2021

    A joint proposal from trade unions in Sri Lanka on: inclusive and sustainable actions that stimulate the economy and employment; support enterprises, jobs and incomes; protect workers in the world of work; and strengthen social dialogue underpinned by international labour standards, for a workers' agenda in 'Building Back Better from COVID-19'.

July 2021

  1. Digitalize, adapt and innovate: Challenges and opportunities for trade unions amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and the recovery period

    02 July 2021

    This article explores the emerging challenges for workers’ organizations that intersect with digital technology deficits at national level and growing informalization, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although specific reference is given to Africa, these challenges are generally applicable across the globe. The article suggests solutions and recommends actions, arguing that the adoption of these technologies by trade unions provides opportunities and benefits which might not otherwise be realized through physical meetings, conferences and interactions.

  2. Gender inequality during the pandemic: Perspectives of women workers in Latin America and the Caribbean

    02 July 2021

    This article seeks to inform the debate on the unequal impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on men and women in the Latin America–Caribbean region. Focusing on women’s working conditions, increased unpaid care work, increased violence against women and the effects of teleworking, it recommends priorities to address these issues for governments, employers and worker organizations, including contributions from women workers and trade union representatives from 13 countries.

  3. South-East Asian unions respond to the pressure of COVID-19

    02 July 2021

    Trade unions in South-East Asia have faced particular challenges in protecting workers during COVID-19, including unemployment and underemployment as well as the rural demographic of many workers in the region. In this article the authors examine South-East Asian unions’ fight for survival during the pandemic, their specific engagement with governments, workplaces and members, and their opportunities and challenges post-COVID.

June 2021

  1. COVID-19 and Recovery: The Role of Trade Unions in Building Forward Better

    25 June 2021

  2. COVID-19 and Recovery: The Role of Trade Unions in Building Forward Better

    24 June 2021

    This year's International Journal of Labour Research explores strategies for workers and their organizations to shape COVID-19 response policies as well as adapting internally to provide vital services to workers and continue fulfilling their societal role as advocate for social justice and workers’ rights. As such, the journal reveals key findings on various topics that are of special interest to trade unions and provide guidance on policies in building forward better.

January 2021

  1. A Global Trend Analysis on the Role of Trade Unions in Times of COVID-19

    25 January 2021

  2. A Global trend analysis on the role of trade unions in times of COVID-19

    25 January 2021

    This Policy Brief is primarily directed to workers and their organizations. Its main purpose is to promote a better understanding of the pivotal role trade unions have played in COVID-19 responses worldwide either through tripartite and bipartite social dialogue, bilateral interactions with their governments or targeted actions carried out in support of their members and society as a whole.

October 2020

  1. The role of social dialogue in formulating social protection responses to the COVID-19 crisis

    07 October 2020

    Social dialogue is not only essential for informing social protection preparedness prior to shocks, but also for formulating immediate responses in crisis contexts when there is a high risk of social conflict. Social dialogue should be pursued on a continuous basis as countries address the various phases of crises and tackle the particular challenges arising in the medium and long terms.