Building effective labour-dispute prevention and resolution systems
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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.
What will you learn?
This course aims to improve the participants knowledge on effective mechanisms of labour disputes prevention and resolution. 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.
What topics does this course cover?
- Psychology of Labour Conflict Management
- Modern Institutions for Dispute Resolution
- Evaluating the effectiveness of national labour dispute resolution institutions
- Mechanisms of disputes resolution at the workplace
- The promotion of Collective bargaining through Dispute resolution services
- Theory of labour Dispute Resolution
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. Most of the sessions will be delivered by senior officials from Labour Ministries; Labour disputes agencies and ILO officials.
Languages
The workshop will be conducted in English and participants are therefore expected to have a good command of the English language.
Registration
To apply for this course, please click on the "Apply now" button and fill out the online form before the application deadline.
If your application is sponsored by your Institution, you will be required to attach a sponsorship letter, covering the course fees.
Applications will be reviewed through a standardized selection process. Successful candidates will be notified individually.
Accommodation and transportation
The total price of this training activity includes full board accommodation at the ITCILO campus, routine medical care, medical insurance, and internet facilities. The listed prices do not include the cost of travel between the participant's home country and the course venue.
Participants are responsible for holding a valid passport and obtaining the appropriate visa (Schengen). Listed prices do not include the costs of passports, visas, and airport taxes.
Payment and withdrawal
Payment can be processed by bank transfer or credit card through an electronic payment link. The total price of this training activity must be paid in advance by the participant or his/her sponsoring organization.
If an enrolled participant wishes or must withdraw from a course, they must notify the Centre, in writing, of their decision at least 14 days prior to the start date of the course. Cancellation of participation in regular courses will result in penalties. For more details on this matter, please check our payment and cancellation policy webpage.
#Industrial relations #Labour market governance #Disputes prevention and resolution #Labour disputes #Conflict management #Voluntary conciliation #Arbitration #ILO standards
Start learning about this topic
You can download and read the recommended publication “Labour dispute system: guidelines for improved performance”.
