Publications
July 2021
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Digitalize, adapt and innovate: Challenges and opportunities for trade unions amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and the recovery period
02 July 2021
This article explores the emerging challenges for workers’ organizations that intersect with digital technology deficits at national level and growing informalization, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although specific reference is given to Africa, these challenges are generally applicable across the globe. The article suggests solutions and recommends actions, arguing that the adoption of these technologies by trade unions provides opportunities and benefits which might not otherwise be realized through physical meetings, conferences and interactions.
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Gender inequality during the pandemic: Perspectives of women workers in Latin America and the Caribbean
02 July 2021
This article seeks to inform the debate on the unequal impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on men and women in the Latin America–Caribbean region. Focusing on women’s working conditions, increased unpaid care work, increased violence against women and the effects of teleworking, it recommends priorities to address these issues for governments, employers and worker organizations, including contributions from women workers and trade union representatives from 13 countries.
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South-East Asian unions respond to the pressure of COVID-19
02 July 2021
Trade unions in South-East Asia have faced particular challenges in protecting workers during COVID-19, including unemployment and underemployment as well as the rural demographic of many workers in the region. In this article the authors examine South-East Asian unions’ fight for survival during the pandemic, their specific engagement with governments, workplaces and members, and their opportunities and challenges post-COVID.
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Macroeconomic policies for jobs-led growth and recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, with emphasis on sub-Saharan Africa
02 July 2021
This article aims to identify policy responses that would promote short term recovery from COVID-19 and long-term inclusive growth in SSA countries. It proposes policy initiatives that would allow an employment-led economic recovery, and hence support policymakers, specifically finance and labour ministries, as well as aligning social partners to promote job creation, job quality and job access interventions in both the short and long term.
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Towards a just transition for all: Lessons from the pandemic
02 July 2021
This article focuses on the possibility of “just transition” in the health sector following the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysing just transition from two aspects, breadth and depth, the authors look at the current situation in the United States to argue that all transitions should be just, and that when they are unjust, transitions, regardless of sector or region, breed resentment and nativism, resulting in opposition to any kind of structural change.
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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.
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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.
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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
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COVID-19 and Recovery: The Role of Trade Unions in Building Forward Better
25 June 2021
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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A Global Trend Analysis on the Role of Trade Unions in Times of COVID-19
25 January 2021
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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
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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.
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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.
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Skills Development and Lifelong Learning: Resource Guide for Workers’ Organizations
15 November 2020
October 2020
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Financing gaps in social protection
21 October 2020
Global estimates and strategies for developing countries in light of the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.
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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.