INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION SUPPORTING SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC COUNCILS WITHIN THE REGION: THE ILO EXPERIENCE 1

" in a world of growing interdependence and complexity and the internationalization of production, [...] social dialogue and the practice of tripartism between governments and the representative organizations of workers and employers within and across borders are now more relevant to achieving solutions and to building up social cohesion and the rule of law through, among other means, international labour standards" 2

This Presentation will highlight  The Role of the ILO in Promoting Social and Economic Councils and Social Dialogue  Why are Social Dialogue and Social and Economic Councils more relevant than ever for Arab States today?  Promoting Social Dialogue in the Region: ILO Experience 3

The Role of the ILO in Promoting Social Dialogue and Establishing Economic and Social Councils 4

Establishing national Social and Economic Councils, and encouraging effective social dialogue are considered to: Have the potential to resolve important economic and social issues, encourage good governance, advance social and industrial peace and stability and boost economic progress. Effective social dialogue depends on: Respect for the fundamental rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining Strong, independent workers' and employers' organizations with the technical capacity and knowledge required to participate in social dialogue Political will and commitment to engage in social dialogue on the part of all parties Appropriate institutional support 5 The Role of the ILO

The ILO aims to establish and strengthen the legal frameworks and institutions in its member states. The ILO supports widening the scope of knowledge on global industrial relations, particularly among actors and institutions involved in cross-border social dialogue and international cooperation. The ILO also aims to strengthen capacities of individual actors; such as workers, employers and governments. 6 The Role of the ILO

What are the main challenges facing the ILO in creating platforms for social dialogue? Employers and workers still face legal and practical obstacles to organise and bargain collectively Institutions for social dialogue are either non-existent or still weak, and often not integrated into policy making Lack of political will on the part of governments to reach out to social partners 7

Why are Social Dialogue and Economic and Social Councils more relevant than ever for the Arab Region today? 8

1.Weak Labour Market Governance 2.Limited Transparency in Policy Making 3.Frustration among Citizens and Youth 4.Lack of Democracy 9 Social Dialogue and ECOSOCs more Relevant than ever?

1.Weak Labour Market Governance - Weak Social Partners - Weak and ineffective labour market institutions - Labour market challenges 10 Social Dialogue and ECOSOCs more Relevant than ever?

2.Limited Transparency in Policy Making -Ineffective governance strategies have impeded the chances and possibilities of achieving democracy -Economic and social policy making in Arab countries is often not based on dialogue and/or consultation -Inadequate and re-active policy responses by states “post-Arab spring” 11 Social Dialogue and ECOSOCs more Relevant than ever?

3.Frustration among citizens and youth -the Arab region was the only region in the world in which citizens were more pessimistic about their prospects in 2010 than earlier in the decade - Reform has in many cases failed to provide equality of opportunity in market and employment transitions -Reform has failed in giving unbiased access to markets, resources for businesses and individuals. -Long recessionary episodes with high unemployment rates has weakened the bargaining power of organised workers and lowered the share of wages in national income. -The region was the only one where the “productivity- enhancing structural change” produced negative effects. 12 Social Dialogue and ECOSOCs more Relevant than ever?

13 Social Dialogue and ECOSOCs more relevant than ever? 3.Frustration among citizens and youth

14 Social Dialogue and ECOSOCs more Relevant than ever? 3.Frustration among citizens and youth

15 Social Dialogue and ECOSOCs more Relevant than ever? 3.Frustration among citizens and youth

16 4.Lack of Democracy Social Dialogue and ECOSOCs more Relevant than ever?

Role of ILO in Promoting Social Dialogue in the Region 17

18 Role of the ILO in the Region The ILO’s experience in the region is wide-ranging: It has been strengthening the capacity of workers’ and employers’ organisations for improved dialogue Creating new tripartite bodies and committees Facilitating tripartite dialogue on specific technical issues such as employment policy, and setting of wages

Example of developing workers’ capacities in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Syria, Yemen, and occupied Palestine territory A regional project that aims to strengthen workers’ organisations through developing their social, economic and legal literacy. It encompasses: Training programmes on socioeconomic and legal rights Developing policies and issue briefs on matters concerning workers Training and organising workers, particularly those in the private sector and informal economy. 19 Role of the ILO in the Region

20 Role of the ILO in the Region Example of strengthening institutional capacity of employers in Oman A country project that aims to develop the institutional capacity of employers’ organisations by producing comprehensive assessments and recommendations. The ILO also trained staff from the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry on participation in policy making The ILO undertook a survey of 150 firms, conducted focus group discussions and provided analysis of comparative data

Example on creating new tripartite structures in Jordan In Jordan, the ILO initiated a project aimed at “Strengthening Social Partners’ Capacity for Promotion of Dialogue” among Tripartite bodies. ( ) The ILO also initiated a project “Promoting Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work in Jordan” ( ) It assisted in creating the national tripartite committee It promoted the reform of Jordanian labour legislation in a manner which brings it towards compliance with internationally recognised standards, and the establishment of effective collective bargaining at a national, sectoral and enterprise level The ILO also helped establish a national Economic and Social Council (ECS) in 2009 which aims to encourage dialogue between stakeholders on economic and social policies; to assess the impact of existing and proposed economic and social legislation; and attain sustainable economic and social development. 21 Role of the ILO in the Region

Examples on facilitating and convening Social Dialogue in specific technical areas 1.Convened a Regional Tripartite Meeting on Wage Policies in the Arab Countries – Held in Amman, Jordan September Regional Conference on Social Dialogue in Arab States – Held in Rabat, Morocco December Facilitated dialogue in Saudi Arabia on wage setting policies 4.Facilitated dialogue in Jordan on enhancing current employment policies 5.Convening tripartite bodies to agree on new directives for migrant domestic workers in Lebanon 22 Role of the ILO in the Region

Conclusions 23

24 1.In the Arab Region, significant reform in labour relations is needed in order to enable social dialogue to take place. Free and effective dialogue between employers and workers has largely been missing in the region. 2.Countries experienced with tripartite consultations, and effective social dialogue institutions develop quicker and more effective responses to economic /political crises 3.Social partners play a critical role at tripartite level when it comes to designing and implementing reform policies. 1.A stable system of labour relations would lead to predictable outcomes and thus encourage investment, and contribute to social justice by facilitating a fairer distribution of the benefits of economic growth Conclusions