International Labour Organization (ILO) and Broader Civil Society: An Uneasy Relationship? (Presentation Slides)

Abstract

This presentation discusses the interactions between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and broader civil society. There is integration of non-governmental social partners in the identity of the Organization itself – Employers’ and Workers’ Organizations in view of ILO’s focus on labour. However, ILO maintains that… “...employers’ and workers’ organizations are distinct from other civil society groups in that they represent the actors of the “real economy” and draw their legitimacy from their membership” This leads to reduced scope for ILO interaction with broader civil society described as non-governmental organizations or civil society organizations. While there is provision for accreditation of NGOs which share ILO’s principles and values, they have to engage with the ILO as observers.In practice however, there is considerable collaboration at the operational level with a variety of international, regional, national and local nongovernmental organizations. This could be through technical cooperation programmes and projects, advocacy campaigns on priority issues such as labour rights and trade agreements, domestic workers, migrant workers, and public private partnerships, among others. Global and regional trade union federations collaborate with NGO forums to advance common causes. ILO instruments request the involvement of specific civil society groups beyond the social partners. In a number of countries, tripartite plus forums involving NGOs have emerged such as labour and social councils, labour advisory bodies and multi-stakeholder task groups.There are still some problems. NGOs feel left out of the ILO process. Accreditation can sometimes be exclusionary. Special consultative status for NGOs means no role in decision making powers. Fragmentation of NGOs, their narrow focus, their donor driven agendas, and limited resources further constrain their role within the ILO. Yet it is in the interest of all stakeholders to work together for best synergy to serve the interest of workers and promotion of social justice.