The International Labour Organisation has emphasised the need for robust social dialogue to address pressing labour market challenges and ensure sustainable industrial relations in an evolving global economy.

This call was made at the inaugural International Conference on Industrial Relations, held recently in The Hague, Netherlands. The event was co-organised by the International Organisation of Employers, Randstad, and the Dutch employers’ federation VNO-NCW. It brought together key stakeholders, including government representatives, trade unions, and business leaders, to discuss emerging trends and regulatory challenges in industrial relations.

In her opening remarks, the Assistant Director-General for Governance, Rights, and Dialogue at the ILO, Manuela Tomei, stressed that effective social dialogue plays a crucial role in shaping adequate and fair labour regulations, stressing that it mitigates market imperfections, ensures legal certainty, and protects workers’ rights.

“Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are prerequisites for meaningful industrial relations,” Tomei stated.

She added, “To navigate the unprecedented changes in the labour market and emerging business models, we need effective social dialogue and representative workers’ and employers’ organisations.”

She further noted that a well-structured dialogue fosters the adoption of adaptable regulatory frameworks that promote business competitiveness while safeguarding workers’ rights.

Another key discussion at the conference focused on labour dispute resolution mechanisms.

 Also, the Director of the ILO’s Governance and Tripartism Department, Vera Paquete-Perdigão, emphasised the significance of stable employment relationships in fostering productivity and economic growth.

“Labour disputes, whether individual or collective, impose significant costs on all stakeholders. ILO standards advocate for engagement in inclusive social dialogue and consensus-based approaches to prevent disputes before they escalate,” Paquete-Perdigão stated.

Paquete-Perdigão underscored that an effective labour dispute resolution system should incorporate both preventive measures and voluntary dispute resolution through genuine dialogue.

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen industrial relations, the ILO announced a tripartite technical meeting on Access to Labour Justice for All, which was held recently.

According to ILO, the meeting provided policy recommendations aimed at ensuring inclusive and effective labour dispute prevention and resolution mechanisms.

It further noted that the conference concluded with a consensus that fostering collaborative and structured dialogue between governments, employers, and workers is crucial to addressing contemporary labour market challenges.

With rapid changes in business models and workplace dynamics, experts believe that sustained engagement through social dialogue will be key to shaping policies that balance business growth with worker protection in the modern labour landscape.