ILO multinational enterprises and social policy

What is the ILO MNE Declaration?

The Tripartite declaration of principles concerning multinational enterprises and social policy (MNE Declaration) is the ILO instrument that provides direct guidance to enterprises on social policy and inclusive, responsible and sustainable workplace practices. The aim of this Declaration is to encourage the positive contribution which multinational enterprises can make to economic and social progress and the realization of decent work for all; and to minimize and resolve the difficulties to which their various operations may give rise. These principles do not aim at introducing or maintaining inequalities of treatment between multinational and national enterprises.

The MNE Declaration highlights the importance of the rule of law, law enforcement and social dialogue and recalls that all parties should respect workers’ rights and contribute to the realization of the fundamental principles and rights at work. It emphasizes the importance of dialogue and consultations among the different parties to ensure inclusive, sustainable, responsible business behaviour of MNEs in host countries and compatibility with national development objectives and policies. It encourages home and host country governments of MNEs to engage in consultations with each other as well as with their enterprises on social and labour policy.