Flagship Report

Social Dialogue Report 2022: Collective bargaining for an inclusive, sustainable and resilient recovery

This first edition of this new ILO flagship report focuses on collective bargaining.

The report examines the role of collective bargaining in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on employment and earnings, helping to cushion inequality while reinforcing the resilience of enterprises and labour markets. The tailoring of public health measures and strengthening of occupational safety and health at the workplace, together with the paid sick leave and healthcare benefits provided for in many collective agreements, protected workers and supported the continuity of economic activity.

Looking to the future, the report considers the contribution of collective bargaining to a human-centred recovery. It highlights the need for democratic principles and rights that give employers and all workers a voice in the governance of work ‒ freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining ‒ essential for strong and representative workers’ and employers’ organizations, and a recovery that is inclusive, sustainable and resilient.