The 13th Labour Assembly concludes with a call to more effective social dialogue in addressing labour challenges, importance of adhering to ILO standards
ILO Assistant Director General and Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia Ms. Beate Andrees: "Inclusive social dialogue is the key to addressing major transitions in the world of work".
1 May 2024
ANKARA - The 13th Labour Assembly convened in Ankara, marking a significant event with participation from government, workers' and employers' organizations, and stakeholders as well as participants from the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Focusing on the theme "The Labour Life in the Centenary of Turkish Republic: The Future of Labour, Unionisation, and Employment”, the event inaugurated with a video message from the ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, underscored the importance of social dialogue in confronting contemporary challenges in the world of work.
Key discussions during the assembly addressed pressing issues such as unionization, collective bargaining, decent work in labour law, green and digital transition, and gender equality in the workforce. The ILO's presence was notable throughout, with expertise and guidance contributing to enriching deliberations, demonstrating its commitment to provide guidance on decent work and support its tripartite partners in Türkiye.
Highlighting the necessity of social dialogue in addressing labour challenges, panellists from workers’ and employers’ organizations of Türkiye, stressed the importance of adhering to ILO standards. They emphasized the need for inclusive decision-making processes to ensure a fair and secure future for all workers.
On the second day, the spotlight shifted to the challenges surrounding unionization and collective bargaining. Representatives from workers' and employers' organizations in Türkiye actively engaged in discussions, offering passionate insights and vigorous commentary on these issues, while also exploring potential solutions.
"You can count on the ILO, we stay committed to serve you, and we are here to learn from you".
The Assembly concluded with the closing remarks of Ms. Beate Andrees, ILO Assistant Director General and Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia.
Reminding the Global Coalition for Social Justice was formed to put labour market actors at the heart of global agenda, she said “I am glad to say that Türkiye is among 200 partners of the Coalition we hope all of you play an active role in the Coalition”.
She added “Few messages are importantly needed as we gather today in this 13th Labour Assembly: Social Dialogue is the answer. It cannot resolve all the problems of the world of work. But the problems facing the labour market the major transformations that we live through such as digital transition, demographic transition, green transition can be addressed if you have a functioning meaningful mechanism and process of social dialogue.”
Stating that the ILO believes in the participation of strong and representative workers and employers organization in an inclusive social dialogue at national, sectoral and international level, she reminded that social dialogue needs to be built on a solid foundation in the principles and Conventions of the ILO.
The Regional Director said “We very much hope that out of this Assembly you can establish a process so which you will be able to tackle the challenges world faces today” calling on to the tripartite partners saying “You can count on the ILO, we stay committed to serve you and we are here to learn from you.”
The assembly concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering social dialogue and cooperation to tackle the transformative challenges facing the world of work today. The ILO reaffirmed its support for Türkiye's tripartite partnership, highlighting the importance of collective action in advancing social justice and decent work. As the assembly adjourned, tripartite constituents left with recognizing the vital role of social dialogue in shaping a fair and inclusive future for workers in Türkiye with active participation of the social partners workers’ and employers’ organizations.
