Social dialogue

From ILO’s perspective, a participatory approach is essential at all stages of reform processes. Public service workers and their representatives should be consulted on all aspects of reforms throughout the reform processes and enjoy freedom of association and the right to bargain collectively.

The optimal way to enable the public service to contribute more effectively to sustainable national development and poverty alleviation is by promoting good governance and transparency through effective social dialogue in public service and public service reform.

The Conclusions (see Note on the proceedings) adopted at the Joint Meeting on the Impact of Decentralization and Privatization on Municipal Services (Geneva, 15-19 October 2001) underscore that public service reforms must be guided by the following basic principles:

• accountability, transparency and openness of government policies and actions, specifically including structures and procedures to ensure the integrity of government’s programmes and procurement; provision of new or better public services;
  
• the importance of maintaining and creating good working conditions and the application of core labour standards should be adhered to during the reform process for morale and performance of the public service and municipal workers;
  
• social dialogue with all relevant stakeholders as a prerequisite for designing, implementing and evaluating decentralization and privatization;
  
• adequate resources and training to enhance informed decision-making;
  
• valuing the diversity of different communities and cultures; and to ensure the equality of opportunity for all.
  

As a follow-up to the Conclusions, the Practical Guide for Strengthening Social Dialogue in Public Service Reform has been developed and disseminated to ILO constituents and international organizations concerned.

Improved service delivery through effective social dialogue was emphasized also during the Joint Meeting on Public Emergency Services: Social Dialogue in a Changing Environment (Geneva, 27-31 January 2003) at which the Guidelines on Social Dialogue in Public Emergency Services in a Changing Environment were adopted. The Guidelines emphasize that an enhanced social dialogue mechanism is the optimal way to allow the participation of emergency workers and their representatives in improving their working conditions and ensuring quality services. While the Guidelines are not binding, unlike ILO Conventions which governments ratify, all ILO tripartite constituents are urged to be mindful of the efforts put into the document by all parties concerned with a common objective to ensure quality emergency services delivered by competent and committed personnel, particularly at a time of heightened security considerations. In approving the Guidelines, the ILO Governing Body requested the Director-General to promote them through appropriate means to enable effective application by governments, the social partners and other key policy-making bodies.

Useful links/resources

• Report on the National Workshop in Bulgaria on the ILO Guidelines on Social Dialogue in Public Emergency Services in a Changing Environment (Sofia, 14-15 April 2005)
• Report on the National Workshop in Kenya on the ILO Guidelines on Social Dialogue in Public Emergency Services in a Changing Environment (Nairobi, 20-21 January 2005)