Working Papers, vehicles for disseminating information on a range of topics related to the world of work and the evolution of social and labour policies and practices for a given sector, are regularly published and widely disseminated. Background reports and issues papers, which provide more in-depth analysis on specific issues, are also published for discussion at international tripartite meetings and global dialogue fora.

Publications

The Sectoral Policies Department is the ILO’s repository of knowledge on sector-specific labour and social issues. Research and studies conducted, in line with the ILO’s research policies, deal with emerging and priority issues of strong interest for ILO’s sectoral constituents.

2019

  1. Publication

    Health, Safety and Dignity of Sanitation Workers: An Initial Assessment

    14 November 2019

2017

  1. Publication

    Wastewater and jobs: The Decent Work approach to reducing untreated wastewater

    21 March 2017

    This working paper discusses the potential of investments of wastewater and how they impact productivity, livelihoods, job creation, skills needs, occupational safety and health, and women’s employment. It further identifies the respective roles of the public and private sectors and of cooperatives.

2016

  1. Publication

    WASH@Work: a Self-Training Handbook

    29 November 2016

    ILO Sectoral Policies and Governance and Tripartism Departments present four self-training modules, which adapt existing ILO training tools on OSH to provide governments, workers and employers with the necessary skills to implement the general principles contained in relevant ILO instruments. This publication is also the ILO’s main contribution to the WASH4Work initiative, launched in the UN headquarters on World Water Day 2016 in collaboration with several UN-Water members and partners. This initiative seeks to create awareness among governments, employers and workers about these issues.

2009

  1. Publication

    Strengthening social dialogue in the utilities sector in Malawi: The impact of structural reforms on social dialogue

    01 July 2009

    Working Paper 273

2008

  1. Publication

    Strengthening social dialogue in the utilities sector in Nigeria

    01 September 2008

    Working Paper 272

  2. Publication

    Concept note on Action Programme on Strengthening Social Dialogue in the Utilities Sector

    01 January 2008

  3. Publication

    Action Programme on Strengthening Social Dialogue in the Utilities Sector: Summary of activities

    01 January 2008

2005

  1. Publication

    Privatization of energy in the Argentine Republic – Losses and gains as seen by a trade union

    01 January 2005

    Working Paper 233

2003

  1. Publication

    Challenges and opportunities facing public utilities. Report TMCOPU/2003

    16 April 2003

    Reviews developments and trends in social and employment issues in the sector. Examines the role of multinationals, the impact of mergers and acquisitions, the challenge of renewable energy and sustainable development, water and sanitation and the importance of social dialogue in a rapidly globalizing industry.