Tripartism and social dialogue
ILO and Azerbaijan – New Horizons for Social Dialogue
The ILO and the Azerbaijan Tripartite Commission for Social and Economic Affairs are set to enhance their collaboration to promote social justice and decent work in the country through enhanced social dialogue.
25 October 2024
BAKU (ILO News) - The International Labour Organization (ILO) and Azerbaijan’s Tripartite Commission for Social and Economic Affairs are set to deepen their collaboration to promote social justice and decent work through enhanced social dialogue. Building on Azerbaijan’s long-standing tradition of tripartite negotiations, the partnership aims to reinforce the country's labour relations framework.
Azerbaijan’s history of social dialogue dates back to 1904, with the first collective agreement between oil workers and employers. This tradition has continued to evolve, culminating in the adoption of the Labour Code in 1999, a milestone shaped by consultations between the Government, the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations, and the Confederation of Trade Unions.
Since joining the ILO in 1992, Azerbaijan has strengthened its commitment to international labour standards. It ratified the Convention on Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards), 1976 (No. 144) in 1993, underscoring its dedication to tripartite consultations. Today, Azerbaijan is one of the leading countries in the CIS region in adopting ILO standards, having ratified 59 Conventions and one Protocol.
Following the 2023 Subregional Conference on Social Dialogue in Central Asia and the Caucasus, Azerbaijan’s tripartite constituents committed to exploring the implementation of the ILO’s Self-Assessment Method for Social Dialogue Institutions (SAM-SDI). This diagnostic tool helps social dialogue institutions identify strengths and areas for improvement, guiding the development and implementation of action plans designed to enhance the institution's influence on policymaking.
In 2024, Azerbaijan established two working groups within the Tripartite Commission to review regulations on occupational safety and health (OSH) and social partnership. One working group is tasked with implementing the requirements of Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) and assessing the feasibility of ratifying Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187). The other focuses on drafting the law On Social Partnership, which will further align Azerbaijan's social dialogue framework with Convention No. 144. The Action Plan of this working group includes the analysis of best practices.
The General Collective Agreement for 2023-2025, signed by the joint decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Confederation of Trade Unions of Azerbaijan, and the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations on 17 March 2023, represents a key outcome of Azerbaijan's tripartite efforts. Discussions on the Agreement's progress are held annually by the Tripartite Commission, and relevant information has been made available on the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population's website.
The ILO remains committed to providing technical support to the Azerbaijan Tripartite Commission and other social dialogue institutions in Azerbaijan and beyond.