Assistance by the International Labour Office

The ILO is mandated to carry out the instructions of the Director-General, and this includes providing assistance where possible to improve workers’ (and employers’) freedom of association.

Therefore, wherever there is a difficulty in applying freedom of association principles, calling upon the ILO for appropriate assistance might be a type of recourse to be taken to improve the situation. Although ratification of relevant ILO Conventions is normally required, it depends on the type of technical assistance and the context in which it is requested.

Request for assistance should be sent to the Freedom of Association Branch and ACTRAV.

Considerations to be kept in mind

Often difficulties with implementation of freedom of association standards and principles involve the political will of decision-makers.

With this in mind, the questions that should be asked before a request for assistance is made are:

  • Whether there is a political will to resolve the situation, and;
  • Whether the assistance being requested may improve overall labour relations and promote resolution of the problem.

Funding

The Office’s resources are limited. Where costs might involve such items as lodging for participants in seminars, provision will have to be made and a source of funding needs to be found.

Requests for assistance should be specific

Where a promotional or educational activity is concerned, who is the target audience and what outcome is hoped for from the activity? What issues should be dealt with in a requested promotional or educational activity?

Where a mission by ILO officials is considered, who might be considered to conduct the mission – senior international civil servants or persons external to the ILO? Persons from within the region, or outside? And what result is hoped for as of the mission?

Impact: Types of assistance

  • Dissemination of general information on freedom of association principles through seminars and/or resolution of particular national difficulties in their application;
  • Analysis of and advice on legal drafts in the light of freedom of association principles where doing so could improve their application through an improved legal framework;
  • Requesting an opinion of the Office on the meaning or interpretation given to a particular provision of an ILO freedom of association Convention or Recommendation;
  • Direct contacts in the context of ongoing procedures such as a complaint before the CFA or an Article 26 complaint;
  • Informal advisory visit where such a visit could improve the application of freedom of association principles in the country concerned.