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Topic portal

Social dialogue and tripartism

Effective social dialogue between governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations is key for advancing social justice, inclusive economic growth, improved wages and working conditions, and sustainable enterprises. As a tool of good governance, social dialogue creates conditions conducive to achieving decent work for all. It directly influences social peace, stability, and the overall governance of labour markets and economies.

Social dialogue plays a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 10 (reducing inequalities), and SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions).

Social dialogue includes:

  • Negotiation, consultation and information exchange between and among governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations;
  • Collective bargaining between employers/employers’ organizations and workers’ organizations;
  • Dispute prevention and resolution; and
  • Other approaches such as workplace cooperation, international framework agreements and social dialogue in the context of regional economic communities.

Preconditions for effective social dialogue:

  • Strong, independent and representative employers' and workers’ organizations with the technical capacity to participate in social dialogue and access to relevant information;
  • Respect for the fundamental rights of freedom of association and effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining; 
  • Political will, trust and commitment to engage in good faith in social dialogue by all the parties; and
  • An enabling legal and institutional framework.

There is no “one size fits all” model of social dialogue that can be readily exported from one context to another; rather, it encompasses diverse global experiences and practices. Adapting social dialogue to specific contexts is crucial for ensuring full ownership by the parties involved and sustainability of the process. While practices vary between countries, ensuring freedom of association and effectively recognizing the right to collective bargaining are fundamental preconditions for effective social dialogue in any national context.

Some figures

158 countries

have ratified the ILO Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144).

85% of ILO Member States

have established a national social dialogue institution (NSDI).

Approximately 1 out of 2 workers

still lack coverage under the Fundamental Conventions on freedom of association and collective bargaining.

Featured publications

Social Dialogue Report 2022: Collective bargaining for an inclusive, sustainable and resilient recovery
Cover page of the ILO Social Dialogue Report 2022

Flagship report

Social Dialogue Report 2022: Collective bargaining for an inclusive, sustainable and resilient recovery

Social dialogue and the Sustainable Development Goals: An essential synergy for human-centred development and recovery
Cover page of the ILO Brief "Social Dialogue and the Sustainable Development Goals"

Policy brief

Social dialogue and the Sustainable Development Goals: An essential synergy for human-centred development and recovery

The role of social dialogue and tripartism in a just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all
Cover page of the ILO Brief on the role of social dialogue and tripartism in a just transition

Policy brief

The role of social dialogue and tripartism in a just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all

Social dialogue for the transition from the informal to the formal economy
Cover Page of the Thematic Brief "Social Dialogue for the Transition from the Informal to the Formal Economy"

Thematic brief

Social dialogue for the transition from the informal to the formal economy

Publications

National social dialogue institutions in selected countries of Central Asia and the Southern Caucasus: Closing the knowledge gap

Technical Brief

National social dialogue institutions in selected countries of Central Asia and the Southern Caucasus: Closing the knowledge gap

The role of social dialogue and its institutions in combating inequalities in the world of work

Report of the ILO-AICESIS Joint International Conference 23–24 November 2023

The role of social dialogue and its institutions in combating inequalities in the world of work

Workers’ representatives in selected Central and Eastern European countries: Filling a gap in labour rights protection or trade union...

Report

Workers’ representatives in selected Central and Eastern European countries: Filling a gap in labour rights protection or trade union...

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Social dialogue statistics

Social dialogue statistics

The latest data from ILOSTAT

Other ILO databases on social dialogue

Resources for governments and social partners

Self-assessment method for social dialogue institutions (SAM-SDI)
Illustration of the self-assessment method

Self-Assessment

Self-assessment method for social dialogue institutions (SAM-SDI)

Voice Matters: Consultation (Industrial and National Levels) Recommendation, 1960 (No. 113)
Cover image of the ILO Guide "Voice Matters"

Guide

Voice Matters: Consultation (Industrial and National Levels) Recommendation, 1960 (No. 113)

Resolution concerning the second recurrent discussion on social dialogue and tripartism
Image of the International Labour Conference

107th Session of the International Labour Conference (2018)

Resolution concerning the second recurrent discussion on social dialogue and tripartism

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Participants at a training session on social dialogue
Social dialogue trainings

Social dialogue trainings

The International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO) offers a wide range of online and face-to-face training activities on social dialogue and tripartism

Featured training courses

Social dialogue and industrial relations: A self-guided induction course
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Free Online Course

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

The 2030 Agenda, Decent Work and Social Dialogue
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Free Online Course

The 2030 Agenda, Decent Work and Social Dialogue

Industrial Relations Toolkit
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Free Online Course

Industrial Relations Toolkit

News and articles

Groundbreaking Olympic Social Charter aims to bring decent work standards to Paris Games
View of the Eiffel Tower with the Paris 2024 Olympic rings

Paris 2024

Groundbreaking Olympic Social Charter aims to bring decent work standards to Paris Games

AGOA Reauthorization 2025: Policies to Promote Fair Trade and Sustainable Economic Development
several flags in corridor

African Growth and Opportunity Act Forum (AGOA Forum)

AGOA Reauthorization 2025: Policies to Promote Fair Trade and Sustainable Economic Development

Contact us

The ILO supports Member States and constituents in enhancing their capacity to advocate for and promote effective and inclusive social dialogue and tripartism at all levels. We are committed to promoting the democratic involvement of key stakeholders in the governance of the world of work. 

For more information or to reach out to our team and global network of experts, please contact us at dialogue@ilo.org