GENEVA: In times of crisis, even well-established industrial relations systems come under pressure. Past experiences demonstrate that governments alone can neither tackle the causes and consequences of the crisis nor ensure social stability and recovery. On the other hand, when unions and employers' organizations join the discussion these challenges become much more surmountable. As ILO Director-General Juan Somavia said at last month's International Labour Conference: “It is precisely with social dialogue that we can get out of the crisis, through productive investments in sustainable enterprises that can increase jobs, consumer demand and fiscal revenues." Here are some successful experiences of national social dialogue that show the value of strong industrial relations systems in turbulent times.
