STRATEGIC USE OF INTERNATIONAL LABOUR STANDARDS THE ILO SUPERVISORY MECHANISM FOR TRADE UNIONS IN SOUTH ASIA
Mahendra Prasad Yadav
This program was designed to provide trade union leaders from South Asia with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively utilize International Labour Standards (ILS) and the ILO Supervisory Mechanism.
OBJECTIVES
The program aimed to enhance the strategic capacities of trade unions in South Asia to address the region's significant labour challenges, including informal employment, gender inequality, child labour, and the restriction of trade union rights. As a result of participating in this program, attendees developed a deep understanding of ILS, learned to utilize the ILO Supervisory Mechanism, and explored the crucial role of social dialogue in promoting decent work and labour rights.
CONTENT
The course utilized a blended learning approach, combining three weeks of online learning with a five-day face-to-face workshop with approximately 70 hours of study.
The online component included:
Week 1: Introduction to International Labour Standards (ILS) - focused on the adoption process of ILS, the role of ratification, and the significance of core principles such as freedom of association and collective bargaining.
Week 2: The ILO Supervisory Mechanism - explored the structure and functions of the ILO Supervisory Mechanism, including the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR), and included practical exercises in reporting procedures.
Week 3: Strategic Social Dialogue and ILS - covered the importance of social dialogue as a tool for promoting compliance with ILS and effectively resolving workers' grievances.
The in-person component (26 – 30 August 2024), held in New Delhi, deepened participants' understanding through hands-on learning and practical group work. Key sessions included:
Day 1: Course orientation, an introduction to country reports, and a deep dive into ILS. Participants explored the ILO’s tripartism, the standards-setting process, and the significance of trade union compliance with ILS.
Day 2: Discussions on the ILO Supervisory Mechanism and its application in promoting workers' rights, with participatory activities guiding participants through reporting procedures and case studies.
Day 3: Focusing on social dialogue and advocacy strategies, incorporating role-playing exercises to simulate negotiations. Participants shared practices on engaging with social partners and discussed strategies for effective social dialogue.
Day 4: Country-specific case studies on the use of the ILO Supervisory Mechanism. Participants worked on problem statement formulation and action planning for strategic advocacy.
Day 5: Integration of learning and final action plan presentations.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
By participating in the course, participants gained:
A comprehensive understanding of ILS and their application in national contexts.
Proficiency in using the ILO Supervisory Mechanism to monitor compliance and address labour rights violations.
Skills in engaging in meaningful social dialogue and negotiations to influence labour policies.
The ability to develop and implement strategic advocacy plans to address current and emerging labour challenges.
NUMBER OF HOURS: 70