Social Dialogue and Collective Bargaining

Social Dialogue and Collective Bargaining
(Arab Trade Union Confederation Educational Platform)

Dear colleagues,
We are pleased to present this lesson on the Arab Trade Union Confederation’s educational platform, which addresses a central topic in trade union practice and in building fair and stable labor relations: social dialogue and collective bargaining.

Social dialogue is one of the main pillars of decent work. It is the most effective tool for resolving disputes, building consensus, and ensuring meaningful worker participation in shaping economic and social policies. Collective bargaining, in turn, is the practical mechanism that allows trade unions to defend workers’ rights and improve working conditions through binding written agreements.

Through this lesson, we aim to:
• Understand the concept of social dialogue, its forms (bipartite, tripartite), its fields of application, and its importance in fostering social peace.
• Explore the roles of the three main actors—trade unions, employers, and governments—in managing dialogue and consultation.
• Learn the fundamentals of collective bargaining, including its key stages: preparation, formulating demands, negotiation, and agreement.
• Develop negotiation skills and techniques, and learn how to avoid deadlock or positional rigidity.
• Review successful experiences from the Arab region where social dialogue has led to real gains through collective bargaining.

The lesson includes interactive content such as practical tools (negotiation planning templates, preparation checklists), simulated dialogue sessions, and real-life case studies from various sectors and institutions.

Promoting social dialogue and collective bargaining is not only a trade union demand—it is also a path toward building trust, ensuring stability, and achieving justice in the world of work.

Let us engage in this lesson with a collective spirit and shared commitment, to build a negotiation culture rooted in dignity, balance, and impact.