Development and Practice Inside the UN ICTY Negotiation Development and Practice Inside the UN ICTY

Public / Private Sector Collective Bargaining

International Organisations The vast majority do not recognize Collective Bargaining even when hosted by a Member State who has ratified the 1949 ILO Convention

Formal UN process JAC (Joint Advisory Committee) Ineffective body Consulting role only No official agreements on how to function Little documentation on the subject Considered “rubber stamping” committee by the staff Concerns “noted” / Consultation complete

What did we do? Int. Org. Staff Unions and Associations cannot operate with the same protections and rights as Public/Private Sector Unions. The Achilles Heel in calling for recognition and collective bargaining was the common perception that we had a small mandate from the staff (quantified by active contributing Union members).

What did we do - Step 1 Introduced a Union Membership Campaign Increased awareness Used “active” Staff Union members to lobby apathetic and cynical staff.

What did we do - Step 2 Wrote a letter to the Registrar requesting official recognition for the Union and that the 1949 ILO Convention on Collective Bargaining be implemented

What did we do - Step 3 Both parties agreed to a 4 + 4 working group mandated by the Registrar to provide a legal framework acceptable to both the Union and Management

What did we do - Step 4 The JNC Agreement (Joint Negotiation Committee) was signed which included official Union recognition.

What did we do - Step 5 Union and Management teams attended joint negotiation training provided by ACAS (Arbitration Consultation and Advisory Service)

How it works Each party may bring any issue to the JNC Equal membership 4 + 4 Alternate Chair Secretary jointly appointed Either party may bring external experts during negotiations If agreement is reached a joint recommendation is sent to the Registrar Registrar’s decision is published to the staff

Handy Tips

Handy Tips Interchange your membership according to skills, subject etc. Make sure that opposite number has authority to make agreements. Circulate position papers well in advance and insist on the same from the Management. If papers are submitted at the JNC or evening before, cancel and reschedule. Sign off minutes and agreements before closing or adjourning. This avoids misunderstandings and ensures maximum progress.

Handy Tips In order to strengthen your voice and mandate, poll staff on important issues before submitting to JNC.