Statement by India on Agenda item 6, Point 1 - Social Dialogue and Tripartism during the 107th session of International Labour Conference 2018
(Geneva, Switzerland)
A recurrent discussion on the strategic objective of social dialogue and tripartism, under the follow-up to the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization, 2008
Point 1: What are the challenges and opportunities related to strengthening social dialogue?
Thank you chair!
India recognizes the importance of meaningful social dialogue for attaining healthy industrial relations. We have ratified the ILO Convention No. 144 concerning tripartite consultation. The Committee on Conventions, a tripartite body, in India critically examines the gaps between the current legislative statutes in the country vis-a-vis the provisions of ILO conventions under examination for ratification by India and thus provide a road map for important ratifications.
The Trade Union Act in India 1926 is almost as old as ILO and provides for the registration of Trade Unions which includes associations for employers too. The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 has been enacted to secure industrial peace and harmony by providing machinery and procedure for the investigation and settlement of industrial disputes by negotiations. We have statutory bipartite/tripartite forums under the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948 and Employees’ Provident Fund & Miscellaneous Provision Act, 1958 and other laws.
India has a well-established mechanism for tripartite consultation at various levels, establishment, industry, sectoral as well as national. Indian Labour Conference discusses and deliberate on significant issues aimed at improving the welfare of the workers. Notable contributions have been emanated by this forum including the Minimum wage fixing methodology and standing orders for employment. Indian Labour laws provide for elaborate tripartite set up for effective social dialogue in the sphere of occupational safety and health; wage fixing and social security.
India recognizes social dialogue as an important and essential tool for resolving important economic and social issues, promoting industrial peace and stability and contributing to economic progress. The biggest challenge for social dialogue for India and for many developing countries lies in the presence of large informal sector. The social dialogue mechanisms leave out majority of workers engaged in the unorganized sector including agriculture and rural labour as well as categories like home based and casual workers The mechanisms of social dialogue need to be expanded and strengthened to include the voices of such workers.
Another emerging challenge that we share with rest of the world is promotion of consultative process in non-standard forms of employment. India is a significant presence in gig and platform economy. Such employers and employees may not be part of any trade unions or employer organizations. The challenge therefore is to represent and address the concerns of these workers and employers through the social dialogue mechanism. We have discussed this issue on the forum of G20 and more significantly in BRICS . We also recognize the increasing importance of cross border social dialogue and look forward to deliberation on these issues.
I thank you for your attention!
29 May 2018
