Building effective labour-dispute prevention and resolution systems

The promotion of sound industrial relations is a critical part of effective labour market governance. It requires an effective system for the prevention and resolution of labour disputes. There are times when the relationship between workers and employers and their respective organizations will be harmonious and cooperative; at other times there may be disagreement and conflict. Some conflict is inevitable in any employment relationship and accepted as normal. The inevitability of labour conflicts, however, does not mean that they should be ignored. This workshop provided a unique opportunity for anyone interested in the promotion of sound industrial relations to get familiar with modern trends regarding labour disputes prevention and resolution and to increase their knowledge of effective labour disputes mechanisms. The lectures, discussions and training activities enabled participants to identify how to improve the effectiveness of their own labour disputes systems.

OBJECTIVES

The workshop aimed to improve the participants knowledge on effective mechanisms of labour disputes prevention and resolution. More specifically, at the end of the workshop, the participants have developed:

• A better understanding of the role of Labour Ministries and Disputes resolution agencies regarding labour disputes prevention and resolution.

• An increased knowledge on recent trends and new developments in the area of labour disputes prevention and resolution.

• An increased knowledge of ILO standards and action in the area of labour disputes prevention and resolution.

CONTENT

• Psychology of Labour Conflict Management

• Institutions for Dispute Resolution: Which guidance from ILO standards?

• The settling of labour disputes at the workplace

• The promotion of Collective bargaining through Dispute resolution services: the case of Belgium

• Dispute prevention and resolution in small islands: the case of the Caribbeans

• What’s next: Applying the learning in our environment

ACHIEVEMENT

The content of the course has been designed in such a way that it can be transposed by the participants into their reality. The workshop has alternated experts’ presentations, group works and group discussions. The methodology used was highly participative and will build on the experience and knowledge of participants. Most of the sessions were delivered by senior officials from Labour Ministries; Labour disputes agencies and ILO officials.

NUMBER OF HOURS: 35 h