All publications: labour relations + collective bargaining + collective agreements + workers participation + workers representation

Social dialogue for sustainable trade and investment, the case of South Africa

When social dialogue functions well, it can connect economic and social policy objectives and strengthens cooperation among government, business, and workers' organisations. Helping align trade and foreign direct investment policies with sustainable...

ILO Working Paper 177

Why social dialogue is necessary for sustainable economic development: Exploring peak-level social dialogue in alternative scenarios

This paper argues that social dialogue is a necessary instrument for delivering sustainable economic development and social progress for all. It played a key role in shaping countries’ responses to the financial crisis of 2008–09 and the COVID-19...

Joint ITCILO-INTEFP publication

Summer school on social dialogue: Industrial relations and due diligence

This volume presents selected papers and reflections from the first edition of the Summer School on Social Dialogue, dedicated to industrial relations and human rights due diligence.

ILO Working paper 174

Good practices and strategic recommendations for strengthening trade union cooperation and collaboration in Africa

Trade union cooperation and collaboration are essential to strengthening workers’ voice, bargaining power and influence across Africa. This publication examines good practices from eight African countries, showing how unions can overcome...

Report

Inclusive governance, innovative services and reach

Inclusive governance is about who participates in trade union decision-making and how. It is critical to the effectiveness of unions, as member driven organisations, and their inclusiveness in engaging with diverse worker groups. This report...

Research brief

Productivity and decent work: Achieving synergies between social and economic dimensions at the enterprise level

This research brief explores how productivity and decent work can be mutually reinforcing at the enterprise level, focusing on the relationship between human resource management and corporate social responsibility. It reviews emerging research and...

ILC.114/Report IV/Points for discussion

Recurrent discussion on social dialogue and tripartism: Points for discussion

ILO Working Paper 171

The role of national social dialogue institutions in shaping investment policies

This paper examines how national social dialogue institutions can help align foreign direct investment with decent work and sustainable development. Drawing on eleven case studies, it highlights emerging practices, institutional challenges and...

Social Dialogue and Collective Bargaining in Montenegro: A Rapid Assessment

The rapid assessment provides a summary overview of the legal framework, institutional arrangements and performance, and practical functioning of social dialogue and collective bargaining in Montenegro. By highlighting strengths, structural...

ILC.114/Report IV

Navigating change through inclusive social dialogue

IRDS Briefing note

Regional tripartite social dialogue: The road to the Punta Cana Declaration

This note highlights the tripartite social dialogue process that led to the adoption of the Punta Cana Declaration during the 20th American Regional Meeting. It presents a regional experience that strengthens cooperation, democracy and decent work...

Social Dialogue

Negotiation as a mechanism for conflict prevention and resolution: positional negotiation and interest-based negotiation

This brief examines negotiation as a key mechanism for preventing and resolving workplace disputes, distinguishing between positional bargaining and interest-based negotiation. Understanding their characteristics and stages can help strengthen...

Institutional capacity building

Strengthening expertise in labour relations and employment policies: A guide for employer and business membership organizations

This guide offers a comprehensive road map for establishing and strengthening a labour function within an employer and business membership organization (EBMOs). It is tailored to addressing the needs of chambers of commerce and similar organizations...

Understanding rights at work

A guide to key terms related to fundamental principles and rights at work, trade and supply chains

Collective bargaining and collective agreements in Serbia's private sector

The International Labour Organization’s first comprehensive report on collective bargaining in Serbia’s private sector reveals significant potential for growth and improvement. While only 13 percent of private companies currently have collective...

Collective bargaining

Collective bargaining models in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru

This comparative study brings together the legal frameworks, institutions and mechanisms that govern collective bargaining in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, providing a clear overview of their respective models and specific features.

Institutions for peak-level social dialogue in the Republic of San Marino

A background report

ILO Brief - IRDS

The Superior Labour Council of Chile

The Superior Labour Council is Chile's main tripartite social dialogue body, created to strengthen and modernise labour relations. It has influenced key reforms such as the 40-hour working week, pension reform and the implementation of international...

Report

The New Social Contract: Towards the Second Summit for Social Development

Policy Brief

Brief 2 — Fiscal policies to advance social justice

Fiscal policy lies at the heart of social justice. Every decision on taxation, spending, and borrowing expresses a society’s social contract—defining who contributes, who benefits, and whose needs are prioritized. This brief provides trade unions...