Social dialogue institutions are committed to combating inequalities in the world of work

2023-11-24 01:00:00

ATHENS (ILO News) – Urgent action is needed to combat inequalities in the world of work, say the Economic and Social Councils and other similar social dialogue institutions (CES-IS).

After a two-day conference held in Athens On 23 and 24 November, they adopted a declaration in which they commit to intensifying action in favor of the development and implementation of national policies to reduce and prevent inequalities in the world of work, through social dialogue. These policies will respond to national circumstances, needs and priorities, based on tripartite consensus.

They asked the International Labor Organization and the International Association of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions (AICESIS) for support in their efforts.

ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo emphasized the urgency of addressing inequalities as an integral part of global efforts to promote social justice. “Social dialogue must underpin all these initiatives. Because only when governments work closely with employer and worker representatives can truly sustainable solutions to inequalities be developed and implemented effectively,” he said.

Participants from 36 countries/territories, representing governments, employers and workers and other CES-IS members, exchanged their experiences – both challenges and successes – in the fight against inequalities in their national contexts.

Representatives from the International Organization of Employers (IOE), the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and other international organizations provided a global perspective on inequalities and the measures needed to reduce and prevent them.

“Inequalities are the antithesis of social justice. As long as the gap between rich and poor, and between women and men, continues to widen, and as certain groups are excluded from opportunities and from sharing in the benefits of growth and development, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals will continue to be an elusive goal,” said Manuela Tomei, ILO Assistant Director-General for Governance, Rights and Dialogue. “No government, social partner organization or multilateral institution can address inequalities alone. We need to build strong partnerships and work together to reduce and prevent them in the long term.”