Freedom of association

Promoting the Right to Freedom of Association and the Right to Collective Bargaining (Phase II) in China - Project

The project Promoting the Right to Freedom of Association and the Right to Collective Bargaining – Phase II works with the tripartite constituents in twelve target countries (Bolivia, Brazil, China, Jordan, Kenya, Malawi, Niger, the Philippines, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Togo & Zambia) and at the global level to advance the realization of the ILO’s fundamental principles and rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining.

Background

Freedom of association and collective bargaining rights, are outlined in the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize Convention, 1948, (No. 87) and the Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98) ) are fundamental human rights and constitute ILO core values. Both principles are so integral to the basic mandate and functioning of the ILO that their observance and implementation in all 186 ILO member States, whether or not they have ratified the relevant Conventions, are subject to ILO supervisory procedures.

The Project aims to ensure sustainable results through six closely interrelated mechanisms of change: building a knowledge base; advocacy and awareness raising; strategic interventions; labour law reform; policy level work and capacity building for labour administrations, employers’ and workers’ organizations, including on dispute prevention and settlement. These components not only create an enabling environment for the exercise of freedom of association and collective bargaining rights, but also provide project beneficiaries with the knowledge, capacity and tools to make their voices heard by felling empowered to advocate for freedom of association and collective bargaining rights, in the short, medium and long-term.

Project objective and outputs

Project aims to improve the respect for freedom of association and collective bargaining rights in law and practices; promote the effective recognition and implementation of freedom of association and collective bargaining rights.

Outputs

  • National legislation is more in conformity with ILO conventions No. 87 and No. 98
  • Policies that create an enabling environment and promote the effective implementation of freedom of association and collective bargaining rights are discussed by the tripartite constituents
  • Tripartite constituents are better informed and equipped to promote and exercise their rights and obligations in relations to freedom of association and collective bargaining

Project recipients and beneficiaries

In order to effectively achieve the observance of these rights, the project will work with the governments and the social partners. Consequently, the direct recipients of the project are, first and foremost, the decision makers as well as staff of the Ministries of Human Resources and Social Security and the employers’ organizations and trade unions, as well as their respective members. The ultimate beneficiaries of the project are labour officials, workers and employers in the target countries, who profit from a better recognition of their rights through improved legislations and policies on freedom of association and collective bargaining. They will also be more knowledgeable of their rights thanks to awareness-raising campaigns and training. Capacity building activities for employers’ organizations and trade unions will allow for a better representation of the interests and concerns of their members.

For further information on project activities in China please contact:

Mr. Youngmo Yoon
Senior Specialist on Social Dialogue and Industrial Relations

Ms. Liu Zening
National Project Coordinator

ILO Country Office for China and Mongolia
Tel: +86 10 6532 5091