Regional Consultation on Advancing Social Dialogue and Empowering Solidarity for Trade Unions in South Asia
13-14 May 2025
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Background
Social dialogue is one of the essential mechanisms for trade unions and workers’ rights for fostering labour relations, supporting economic development, and promoting decent work in the world of work. As per the definition of the International Labour Organization (ILO), “Social dialogue is defined to include all types of negotiation, consultation or simply exchange of information between, or among, representatives of governments, employers and workers, on issues of common interest relating to economic and social policy.” Additionally, the ILO considered social dialogue as the best tool in promoting better living and working conditions, improving good governance, as well as social justice. Thus, social dialogue encompasses various forms, including tripartite (between government, employers, and workers) and bipartite (between employers and workers) interactions at different levels—enterprise, sectorial, national, and regional. Furthermore, tripartism and social dialogue are integral components of the Decent Work Agenda of the ILO and essential channels for achieving it. Therefore, effective social dialogue is essential for the advocacy for the protection of workers’ rights and labour relations, including the fostering of improved working conditions and sustainable economic growth through consensus-building and democratic governance in the world of work. Moreover, independent and strong workers’ and employers’ organisations are critical for effective social dialogue.
In the context of South Asia, social dialogue is necessary for promoting workers' rights, strengthening industrial relations, and ensuring economic growth. Therefore, SARTUC, in coordination with Mondiaal FNV, had conducted a two-day “Regional consultation on Advancing Social Dialogue and Empowering Solidarity for Trade Unions in South Asia” in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 13-14 May 2025. The regional consultation mainly focused on the trade union perspective, also taking as an opportunity to discuss the current situation of South Asian countries on the social dialogue mechanism, role and efforts from SARTUC affiliates, exchange best practices, including enhanced solidarity for trade unions at the regional level.
Objectives
- To discuss the trade union perspective on the importance and challenges of implementing effective social dialogue in South Asia;
- To strengthen the role of SARTUC affiliates in social dialogue processes in South Asia;
- To exchange and share the best practices for advancing workers’ rights through social dialogue at the union or country level;
- To develop actionable strategies and an action plan for advancing social dialogue at the regional level through enhanced solidarity among SARTUC affiliates.
Date and Venue
- Date: 13-14 May 2025
- Venue: Hotel Radisson Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka