Social dialogue and social security governance: A topical ILO perspective

Amongst all the topics addressed in the world of work, none, perhaps, reflect the principles of tripartism and social dialogue better than social security. It is natural, therefore, to ask how effectively these key instruments of sound governance have been and are being used in addressing significant challenges presently facing social security systems in many countries. The process of social security reform, notably in pension provision, has been high on the agenda of many countries in recent decades, reflecting the impact of factors such as globalization and demographic ageing. More recently, fresh strains have arisen as a result of the global financial and economic crisis. The International Labour Office (ILO) has sought to analyse and understand these questions, and the ILO Departments of Social Dialogue and Social Security have jointly undertaken studies both before and in the aftermath of the crisis. The evidence shows mixed outcomes. In a range of countries with strong traditions of effective social dialogue, their value has been reiterated. Disappointingly, however, in other countries, often under the pressures of severe economic strains and urgent demands of the international financial institutions (IFIs) and other agencies, governments have acted unilaterally, sometimes with rather little heed of constitutional responsibilities. The authors conclude that there is both the need and scope for a renewed focus to secure an appropriate degree of political will and commitment to the process of tripartite social dialogue in addressing what are often complex and sensitive policy issues in the field of social security.