The adoption of national labour laws and regulations is an important means of implementing international labour standards, guaranteeing decent work and promoting the rule of law. Because they regulate constantly evolving employment and industrial relations, labour laws are subject to regular assessment and reform.

Labour legislation in a number of countries has been put under heavy pressure over the last decade. Issues such as the employment relationship and workers’ protection have been widely discussed. However, it is increasingly accepted that international labour standards – in particular those concerning fundamental principles and rights at work as enshrined in the ILO Declaration - should guide the law-making and revision  process.

Effective social dialogue is crucial during the making and revision of labour law. Experience shows that solutions imposed from above are less effective than decisions taken with the participation and support of social partners.

The observance of a set of rules when drafting laws makes for clear, well drafted and gender-inclusive labour provisions.

Training is an effective way to promote better labour legislation. Through its training activities – both residential and online -  the ITC-ILO provides government officials, workers’ representatives and employers’ representatives with an opportunity to share and strengthen their knowledge and expertise, and to examine together how their own labour legislation can be further improved.