Strengthening labour standards through dialogue

AMMAN (ILO News) — Representatives from Jordan’s legislative, executive and social partner institutions came together to deepen their understanding of international labour standards and strengthen coordination mechanisms for compliance, reporting and dialogue.

Held on 21–22 May 2025, the workshop was organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) under the project titled “Towards an inclusive national social protection system and accelerating decent job opportunities for Syrians and vulnerable Jordanians”, funded by the European Union through the EU Regional Trust Fund in Response to the Syrian Crisis – the EU Madad Fund, and implemented by the ILO. It brought together 30 key stakeholders from the Ministry of Labour, the General Federation of Jordanian Trade Unions, the Jordan Chamber of Industry, the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Prime Ministry’s Human Rights Department, the Ministry of Justice, and the Legislation and Opinion Bureau.

The two-day workshop, led by Kirsten-Maria Schapira, ILO Senior International Labour Standards and Labour Law Specialist, focused on the effective implementation of obligations under the ILO Constitution—especially as they relate to the ratification and reporting of international labour conventions. The training aimed to reinforce the role of national actors in the application of international labour standards (ILS), promote a shared understanding of institutional responsibilities, and foster a spirit of social dialogue across Jordan’s tripartite structure.

Participants explored the legal and institutional processes tied to the adoption and ratification of labour conventions, including how to translate these commitments into practice through legislation, monitoring and reporting. Interactive sessions and simulations guided attendees through real-world scenarios in managing national reporting obligations, using tools such as the ILO’s NORMLEX portal and planning institutional calendars for reporting and follow-up.

Discussions also delved into the procedures and expectations of ILO supervisory bodies—namely the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR) and the Committee on Freedom of Association—and the respective roles of government, employers’ organizations, workers’ organizations, and the legislature in responding to their feedback.

The workshop concluded with an overview of the upcoming 113th International Labour Conference (ILC), giving participants insight into how national perspectives contribute to global labour dialogue. Attendees also worked together to develop draft plans for internal training and coordination mechanisms to sustain compliance and strengthen Jordan’s voice at international forums.

This workshop builds on the ILO’s longstanding partnership with the Government of Jordan and its social partners to support labour rights, policy coherence and the realization of decent work for all.