social dialogue context

What is Social Dialogue?

The main goal of social dialogue itself is to promote consensus building and democratic involvement among the main stakeholders in the world of work. Successful social dialogue structures and processes have the potential to resolve important economic and social issues, encourage good governance, advance social and industrial peace and stability and boost economic progress.

In order for social dialogue to take place, the following must exist:

• Strong, independent workers’ and employers’ organisations with the technical capacity and the access to relevant…
• Political will and commitment to engage in social dialogue on the part of all the parties;
• Respect for the fundamental rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining;

The Role of the State in Social Dialogue

For social dialogue to work, the State cannot be passive even if it is not a direct actor in the process. It is responsible for creating a stable political and civil climate which enables autonomous employers’ and workers’ organizations to operate freely, without fear of reprisal. Even when the dominant relationships are formally bipartite, the State has a role in providing essential support for the process through the establishment of the legal, institutional and other frameworks which enable the parties to engage effectively.