With ILO support, Timor-Leste identifies priority actions to strengthen social dialogue
DILI, Timor-Leste – Representatives of the Government, employers and workers identified priority actions to improve the functioning of Timor-Leste’s National Labour Council (NLC) during an International Labour Organization (ILO)-facilitated workshop held in Dili on 23 October 2026.
The workshop brought together 34 participants, equally representing women and men, from the Secretariat of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE), the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Timor-Leste (CCI-TL) and the Timor-Leste Trade Union Confederation (KSTL). Participants also came from five municipalities: Baucau, Bobonaro, Liquiçá, Manufahi and Viqueque.
The workshop built on a December 2025 assessment conducted using the ILO’s Self-Assessment Method for Social Dialogue Institutions (SAM-SDI). The assessment identified areas for improvement, including more inclusive representation, regular meetings, stronger technical support, and better follow-up to the NLC’s recommendations.
Turning recommendations into practical actions
Facilitated by Arun Kumar, ILO Collective Bargaining and Social Dialogue Specialist, the workshop enabled tripartite representatives to review the assessment findings and identify priority actions, responsibilities and indicative timelines.
Participants proposed reviewing the NLC’s framework, functions and operational arrangements, alongside strengthening the technical capacity of its members and secretariat. The proposed actions, with an indicative implementation period of six to twelve months, envisage technical assistance from the ILO.
Other priorities included improving the NLC secretariat’s digital document management and information sharing, as well as providing mentoring and coaching to strengthen the leadership and social dialogue skills of tripartite representatives.
Employers’ and workers’ organizations also identified opportunities to promote bipartite dialogue at the enterprise level, while the proposed action plan includes joint monitoring and research activities.
“This workshop has helped bring the tripartite constituents together to move from assessing challenges to identifying practical actions. Continued cooperation and follow-up will be important to strengthen the National Labour Council and make social dialogue more effective,” said Arun Kumar.
CCI-TL Vice President Franquelino da Costa Freitas highlighted the importance of the NLC as a platform for cooperation.
“The National Labour Council provides an important platform for the Government, employers and workers to come together and address issues affecting the world of work. Continued cooperation among the three parties is essential to making social dialogue effective,” he said.
KSTL Vice President Berta Ornay emphasized the contribution of social dialogue to workers’ rights and decent work.
“Social dialogue allows workers, employers and the Government to discuss workplace issues, find solutions and build consensus. By strengthening this dialogue, we can contribute to decent work, industrial peace and sustainable economic development,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of SEFOPE’s Director-General, National Director for Labour Relations Clementina Almeida welcomed the ILO’s continued technical support.
“The Government, employers and workers all have an important role in supporting Timor-Leste’s economic and social development. We value the ILO’s continued support and encourage all partners to work together to strengthen social dialogue and the National Labour Council,” she said.
The workshop concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to continued cooperation and follow-up on the proposed actions. Implementing these actions will be an important next step toward improving the NLC’s effectiveness as a platform for tripartite dialogue.
The ILO’s Regular Budget Supplementary Account (RBSA) intervention, Preparing Timor-Leste’s workers and policymakers for just transition and the formal economy, supported the workshop and supports efforts to strengthen social dialogue and the capacity of tripartite constituents in Timor-Leste.
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