Social dialogue and industrial relations: a self-guided induction course

Social dialogue and industrial relations: a self-guided induction course
Image © Alice Lotti

Social dialogue and industrial relations: a self-guided induction course

Self-guided
The course is available in English
Introduction to the course

The primary goal of the ILO is to promote opportunities for women and men to obtain decent and productive work in conditions of freedom, equality, security and human dignity. 

Social dialogue plays a key role in achieving this objective. It is a means of strengthening democratic decision-making and achieving decent work, and an end in itself. As much as social dialogue may differ from country to country, the overriding principles of freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining remain the same. Indeed, these are essential preconditions for sound social dialogue and industrial relations. The main aim of social dialogue is to improve the quality of decisions and policies by involving the main stakeholders in the world of work, notably employers, workers and their representatives. Successful social dialogue structures and processes have the potential to resolve important economic and social issues, deal with crises such as COVID-19, encourage good governance, reduce inequality and promote growth. 

The extent of social dialogue has a direct impact on the climate of social peace and stability, as well as the overall governance of the labour market and the economy as a whole. There is no one-size-fits-all model of social dialogue that can be readily exported from one context to another. However, there is a rich diversity of institutional arrangements, legal frameworks, traditions and practices in different part of the world. 

Who attends this course?
  • Governments, employers and workers’ organizations representatives
  • Anyone interested in understanding better social dialogue and its contribution to social justice.
What will I learn?

The self-guided course is organized around 3 main topics:

  • Social dialogue and tripartism
  • Collective bargaining
  • Dispute prevention and resolution
What will I be able to do?
  • Promote social dialogue and sound industrial relations in your own environment
  • Identify relevant ILO standards
  • Describe how social dialogue contributes to social justice
Want to join?

This free course is available on eCampus, the ITCILO's online learning platform.

Questions? We have the answers