Building effective labour-dispute prevention and resolution systems

Building effective labour-dispute prevention and resolution systems
Image © Alice Lotti

Building effective labour-dispute prevention and resolution systems

3–7 November 2025
The course is available in English
Introduction to the course

The promotion of sound industrial relations is a critical part of effective labour market governance. It requires an effective system for the prevention and resolution of labour disputes. There are times when the relationship between workers and employers and their respective organizations will be harmonious and cooperative; at other times there may be disagreement and conflict. Some conflict is inevitable in any employment relationship and accepted as normal. The inevitability of labour conflicts, however, does not mean that they should be ignored. Conflict can develop into a dispute with negative consequences for the parties involved and the broader economy and thus needs to be managed. Ideally, conflicts arising within the workplace can be prevented from escalating into formal disputes that then require the intervention of third parties, including State institutions. Strengthening dispute prevention and resolution within workplaces is thus of fundamental importance. However, it is also necessary to consider the various arrangements outside the workplace that can assist employers and workers and their organizations to resolve their disputes through processes such as voluntary conciliation and arbitration, without resorting to the court system. Providing a voluntary, free-of-charge, and expeditious mechanism for labour disputes settlement as required by ILO standards is therefore crucial. This may be done by an existing labour administration or by an independent commission or board. The economic downturn in some countries has put even more pressure on labour disputes prevention and resolution mechanisms. Very often under-staffed and underresourced organisations have to deal with an increasing number of cases. An effective labour disputes prevention and resolution system is critical for ensuring productive and stable employment relations. This workshop will provide a unique opportunity for anyone interested in the promotion of sound industrial relations to get familiar with modern trends regarding labour disputes prevention and resolution and to increase the knowledge on effective labour disputes mechanisms. The lectures, discussions and training activities will enable participants to identify how to improve the effectiveness of their own labour disputes systems.

Who attends this course?

- Staff from Labour disputes agencies. - Staff from Ministries of Labour involved in disputes prevention and resolution. - Employers and Workers' representatives. - ILO specialists and consultants and technical cooperation project staff. - Industrial relations experts and practitioners.

Objectives

The general objective of the workshop is to improve the participants knowledge on effective mechanisms of labour disputes prevention and resolution.

More specifically, at the end of the workshop, the participants will have:

  • A better understanding of the role of Labour Ministries and Disputes resolution agencies regarding labour disputes prevention and resolution.
  • An increased knowledge on recent trends and new developments in the area of labour disputes prevention and resolution.
  • An increased knowledge of ILO standards and action in the area of labour disputes prevention and resolution.
Content and methodology

The content of the workshop will be based on the content of the guide “Labour dispute system: guidelines for improved performance” developed jointly by the ILO and ITCILO.

All participants will receive a hard copy of the guide.

The workshop will alternate experts’ presentations, group works and group discussions. The methodology used will be highly participative and will build on the experience and knowledge of participants

The timetable of the workshop will be shared with participants approximately one month before the starting date of the workshop.

Most of the sessions will be delivered by senior officials from Labour Ministries; Labour disputes agencies and ILO officials.

The workshop will be conducted in English.

Application

The ILO promotes equality of opportunities and strongly encourages women’s applications.

The cost of participation should be paid in advance by the participant or his/her sponsoring organization. Participants will be provided with full board accommodation with private facilities at the ITCILO Campus, routine medical care and medical insurance, use of computer and internet facilities.

For information regarding applications, payments and cancellation, please consult:

https://www.itcilo.org/applications-payments-cancellation

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