The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has emphasized the need for robust social dialogue to address pressing labour market challenges and ensure sustainable industrial relations in a rapidly evolving global economy. This call was made during the inaugural International Conference on Industrial Relations, held recently in The Hague, Netherlands.
The event, co-organized by the International Organisation of Employers, Randstad, and the Dutch employers’ federation VNO-NCW, brought together government representatives, trade unions, and business leaders to discuss emerging trends and regulatory challenges in industrial relations.
In her opening remarks, Manuela Tomei, the ILO’s Assistant Director-General for Governance, Rights, and Dialogue, stressed that effective social dialogue is crucial for shaping fair labour regulations, mitigating market imperfections, and protecting workers’ rights.
“Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are prerequisites for meaningful industrial relations,” Tomei stated. She added that adaptable regulatory frameworks are needed to balance business competitiveness with worker protection, especially in light of unprecedented changes in labour markets and emerging business models.
The conference also highlighted the importance of effective labour dispute resolution mechanisms. Vera Paquete-Perdigão, Director of the ILO’s Governance and Tripartism Department, emphasized that stable employment relationships are vital for productivity and economic growth.
“Labour disputes, whether individual or collective, impose significant costs on all stakeholders. ILO standards advocate for inclusive social dialogue and consensus-based approaches to prevent disputes before they escalate,” Paquete-Perdigão said. She called for dispute resolution systems to incorporate both preventive measures and voluntary dialogue.
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen industrial relations, the ILO recently held a tripartite technical meeting on Access to Labour Justice for All. The meeting provided policy recommendations aimed at ensuring inclusive and effective labour dispute prevention and resolution mechanisms.
The conference concluded with a consensus that collaborative and structured dialogue between governments, employers, and workers is essential to addressing contemporary labour market challenges. Experts agreed that sustained engagement through social dialogue will be key to shaping policies that balance business growth with worker protection in the modern labour landscape.
The ILO has been actively advocating for a shift from minimum wage to living wage in countries like Nigeria, expressing concerns over slow economic growth, and empowering communities through various initiatives. The organization continues to emphasize the importance of tripartism—cooperation between governments, employers, and workers—as a cornerstone of effective labour governance.
With rapid changes in business models and workplace dynamics, the ILO’s call for stronger social dialogue reflects the growing need to address the complexities of the modern labour market. By fostering inclusive dialogue, the ILO aims to create a balanced and sustainable framework for industrial relations in the global economy.
The conference underscored the critical role of social dialogue in navigating the challenges of the modern labour market, ensuring that labour regulations remain relevant and effective in protecting workers’ rights while supporting business competitiveness.
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