How can collective bargaining help workplaces?

Collective bargaining may be key to pushing for equality and closing gender wage gaps in the workplace, according to a new report from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), after it played a "crucial role" in the pandemic.

ILO's latest report, Social Dialogue Report 2022: Collective bargaining for an inclusive, sustainable, and resilience, said that collective agreements played a role in cushioning the impact of COVID-19 on employment and crisis.

"Collective bargaining has played a crucial role during the pandemic in forging resilience by protecting workers and enterprises, securing business continuity, and saving jobs and earnings," said ILO director-general Guy Ryder in a statement.

"It has provided an effective means for employers and workers to agree on inclusive solutions to shared concerns or challenges and mitigate the effects of current and future crises on the economy, enterprises and workers."

According to the report, collective agreements signed to facilitate COVID-19 telework are now evolving into decent hybrid and tele-working practices.

Some of these agreements addressed "re-regulated" working time, affirmed rest periods, fixed the days and hours when employees can be reached, and increased workers' autonomy and control over their schedules.

Such bargaining also helped make workplaces inclusive for off-site and on-site workers, and made opportunities equal for them.

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On wage equality, gender pay gap

Following the crucial role of collective bargaining amid the pandemic, the ILO report said that it could also be a solution to the problem of wage inequality and gender pay gaps in workplaces.

The ILO report revealed that 59% of the agreements it reviewed reflected a joint commitment by employers and workers organisations to address gender inequality by ensuring equal pay for work. Thse agreements also provided parental and family leave, as well as addressed gender-based violence at work.

Autonomous collective negotiations between trade unions and employers also set about 35% of employees' wages, working time, and other working conditions, according to the report.

This makes collective bargaining an important factor that can massively contribute to inclusive and effective governance in workplaces, according to the report.

But to ensure this, the report said the following priorities would also need to be addressed:

1. Revitalising employers' and workers' organisations
2. Realising the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining for all workers
3. Promoting an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient recovery
4. Supporting the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development