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Free-trade agreements processes

Since the beginning of the 1990s, the need to create a minimum social foundation for the development of trade – including safeguards against “social dumping” – has resulted in the signing of an increasing number of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), which include a labour dimension, either in the agreement itself or in a parallel agreement (see the ILO Hub on Labour Provisions in Trade Agreements, which includes over 320 trade agreements). Such “labour provisions” list minimum commitments to respect but also promote fundamental principles and rights at work, often with reference to specific international labour standards. At times, these provisions together with “sustainability provisions” of FTAs provide a framework for dialogue with civil society on issues relevant to international trade and fundamental labour rights, and for governing the cooperation between the signatory parties. This dialogue and cooperation can be translated into development cooperation, technical assistance, exchange of information and best practice, research and actions aimed at promoting labour rights (such as training and guides for labour inspectors and the social partners). Some FTAs may also include commitments related to monitoring and processing sanctions in the event of non-compliance.

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The Stakeholders Forum and the European Union Domestic Advisory Group within the European Union-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (EUSFTA)

The Stakeholders Forum and the European Union Domestic Advisory Groups (EU-DAGs) established within the European Union-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (EUSFTA) generate opportunities for cross-border social dialogue.The Stakeholder…

The Civil Society Forum and the European Union Domestic Advisory Group (EU-DAG) within the European Union-United Kingdom Trade and Cooperation Agreement

The European Union-United Kingdom Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), in force since 1 May 2021, provides for the creation of a "Civil Society Forum," whereby representatives of trade unions and employers' organizations from th…

The European Union-Armenia Civil Society Platform within the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement

Discussions conducted within the European Union (EU)-Armenia Civil Society Platform framework are a form of cross-border social dialogue established under the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement. According to the…

The Joint Civil Society Forum within the Canada-United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement

The Canada-United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement (Canada-UK TCA), in force since 1 January 2021, contains a Chapter on Trade and Sustainable Development (Chapter 22) and another on Trade and Labour (Chapter 23).Chapter 22 crea…