Publications

July 2021

  1. Workers’ rights and human rights: Resolving historical tensions through a multi-tiered social security agenda

    02 July 2021

    This article considers the historical development of social security systems; the mixed messaging and false choices in contemporary policy circles; the potential for resolving these tensions through a return to inclusive, lifecycle multi-tiered frameworks; the evolving role of workers’ organizations within this context and some potential axes for action in a post-COVID world.

  2. Trade union membership dynamics amidst COVID-19: Does social dialogue matter?

    02 July 2021

    This article applies an econometric approach to data from the ILO global survey on the state of trade unions during the COVID-19 pandemic to examine the role of social dialogue in reshaping recovery, focusing on trade union membership as the engine for workers’ organizations, and proposing policy interventions based on the results for their effective participation in reshaping the recovery.

  3. Work-related injuries, diseases and Covid-19

    02 July 2021

    This article reviews the latest global and country numbers of occupational accidents and work-related illnesses and related economic costs in selected countries and regions, compared to the numbers for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The authors examine the types of occupations most at risk of infection and provide examples of COVID-19 experience from three countries in different regions (Italy, Republic of Korea and South Africa). Finally, actions to strengthen health and safety in the workplace are recommended to be taken by the various stakeholders.

June 2021

  1. COVID-19 and Recovery: The Role of Trade Unions in Building Forward Better

    25 June 2021

  2. COVID-19 and Recovery: The Role of Trade Unions in Building Forward Better

    24 June 2021

    This year's International Journal of Labour Research explores strategies for workers and their organizations to shape COVID-19 response policies as well as adapting internally to provide vital services to workers and continue fulfilling their societal role as advocate for social justice and workers’ rights. As such, the journal reveals key findings on various topics that are of special interest to trade unions and provide guidance on policies in building forward better.

March 2021

  1. A human-centered approach to Skills and Lifelong Learning: The role of Trade Unions

    24 March 2021

    It is important for trade unions to have skills development and Lifelong learning (LLL) on their agendas, and even more so when confronted with the many challenges created by the pandemic. In fact, skills development and LLL that are human-centered, based on ILS and the engagement of social partners through social dialogue, are key to build a better normal in the post-COVID world and trade unions need to be part of this endeavour.

February 2021

  1. United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation and the Decent Work Agenda – A Trade Union Reference Manual

    10 February 2021

    This document seeks to guide trade unions and encourage them to take on more assertive roles in processes shaping development policy at national, regional, and global levels. Trade unions can use this manual to more effectively contribute to the implementation, monitoring, and outcomes of the 2030 Agenda process, focusing particularly on Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) as well as regional and global sustainable development platforms, such as the High-Level Political Forum.

  2. The likely impact of COVID-19 on the achievement of SDG 8 – The role of Trade Unions

    10 February 2021

    This report presents the findings of a global survey on the likely impacts of COVID-19 on the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Agenda. The survey focused on SDG 8 and specifically on four targets and two indicators for which the International Labour Organization (ILO) is a custodian agency.

January 2021

  1. A Global Trend Analysis on the Role of Trade Unions in Times of COVID-19

    25 January 2021

  2. A Global trend analysis on the role of trade unions in times of COVID-19

    25 January 2021

    This Policy Brief is primarily directed to workers and their organizations. Its main purpose is to promote a better understanding of the pivotal role trade unions have played in COVID-19 responses worldwide either through tripartite and bipartite social dialogue, bilateral interactions with their governments or targeted actions carried out in support of their members and society as a whole.

November 2020

  1. Policy Brief on sexual harassment in the entertainment industry

    25 November 2020

    The Violence and Harassment Recommendation, 2019 (No. 206) includes entertainment among sectors and occupations which may be particularly exposed to violence and harassment. Against this background, this brief analyses trends and patterns of sexual harassment in the entertainment industry, and it provides a picture of relevant laws and other means to protect workers in the industry.

  2. Trade union policies and practices for gender equality

    17 November 2020

    This paper outlines key areas where trade unions are addressing the barriers that women face in the labour market and in employment, and underlines the fact that gender equality is union business.

  3. Skills Development and Lifelong Learning: Resource Guide for Workers’ Organizations

    15 November 2020

October 2020

  1. Financing gaps in social protection

    21 October 2020

    Global estimates and strategies for developing countries in light of the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.

  2. The Protection We Want: Social Outlook for Asia and the Pacific

    15 October 2020

    The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for well-functioning social protection systems in the region as never before. A new UN report reveals that despite their rapid socioeconomic ascent, most countries in the Asia-Pacific region have weak social protection systems riddled with gaps.

  3. The role of social dialogue in formulating social protection responses to the COVID-19 crisis

    07 October 2020

    Social dialogue is not only essential for informing social protection preparedness prior to shocks, but also for formulating immediate responses in crisis contexts when there is a high risk of social conflict. Social dialogue should be pursued on a continuous basis as countries address the various phases of crises and tackle the particular challenges arising in the medium and long terms.

September 2020

  1. Brief on Financing gaps in social protection

    17 September 2020

    Global estimates and strategies for developing countries in light of the COVID-19 crisis and beyond

July 2020

  1. ILO Standards on Violence and Harassment: What role for workers'organizations?

    02 July 2020

    This Policy Brief is primarily directed to workers and their organizations. Its main purpose is to promote the understanding of the new International Labour Standards and to raise awareness on the importance of promoting the ratification of Convention No. 190 and the application of Recommendation 206.

June 2020

  1. An ILO for All Seasons-The International Labour Organization's Ways out of Crisis

    29 June 2020

    Over a hundred years, the ILO has developed International Labour Standards and Policy Responses to mitigate the effects of employment and social crises.The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how hasards move in a globalized world. It has highlighted the need to use the tools that are available for countering social and economic crises and securing the safety and health of workers. This book traces the development of these tools and the ways in which they have been successfully applied over the last hundred years.

May 2020

  1. © P.Lopez/ AFP 2023

    COVID-19 Crisis: Why ILO Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience Recommendation(R205) is relevant for Trade Unions?

    02 May 2020

    ILO Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience Recommendation (R205), which was adopted by the International Labour Conference (ILC) in June 2017, provides detailed guidance to constituents on how best to deal with crisis situations arising from conflicts and disasters.