Social dialogue helps advance workplace equality and trade competitiveness in the Lao People's Democratic Republic

Discrimination, violence and harassment in workplaces

Social dialogue helps advance workplace equality and trade competitiveness in the Lao People's Democratic Republic

ILO-supported workshop brings together employers and workers to strengthen labour relations, promote gender equality and improve compliance with international labour standards.

3 July 2026

VIENTIANE (ILO News) - Stronger social dialogue between employers and workers can help address discrimination, violence and harassment in workplaces while strengthening compliance with international labour standards and trade competitiveness in the Lao People's Democratic Republic, participants heard at an International Labour Organization (ILO)-supported workshop.

The Bipartite Workshop to Strengthen Labour Relations Policies, Arrangements and Practices to Address Gender Discrimination, Violence and Harassment at Work took place in Vientiane, on 25-26 June 2026. It was organized by the ILO, in partnership with the Lao Federation of Trade Unions (LFTU) and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI).

The workshop saw participants discuss how social dialogue and collective bargaining can promote labour relations policies that lead to compliance with standards, productive enterprises and decent work. They shared real-world experiences, reviewed case management practices and discussed mechanisms to improve the representation of women in decision-making and dispute-resolution processes as well as the need for equal pay.

Taking part were representatives from the government, national and provincial employers' and workers' organizations, the Lao Women's Union, with delegates from Luangprabang, Savannakhet, and Champasak provinces, the National Commission for the Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children, and the business sector, with a specific focus on the garment and manufacturing industries.

"The LFTU is committed to protecting workers' rights, ensuring equal treatment, and eliminating discrimination and harassment," said Athilath Oudomdeth, Deputy Director General of the Department of Labour Protection, LFTU. "We are working to ensure equal pay for work of equal value and to provide robust support for resolving labour disputes. This initiative is a vital milestone in our efforts to achieve full compliance with international labour standards."

Representing the business community, Bounthieng Rattanavong, Board Director of the LNCCI, added, "The LNCCI recognizes that promoting non-discrimination, eliminating harassment, and ensuring equal pay are not only rights-based priorities but essential strategies to enhance productivity and competitiveness in the global market as we transition beyond Least Developed Country status."

Meanwhile, Arun Kumar, the ILO's Specialist on Collective Bargaining and Social Dialogue, said: "Compliance with labour standards is no longer just a social policy issue; it is increasingly a matter of trade competitiveness and market access. By strengthening social dialogue and collective bargaining, this workshop supports social partners to advance gender equality while helping Lao enterprises meet international standards and remain competitive in the global economy."

The event was supported by the ILO project, "Eliminating Workplace Discrimination, Harassment and Child Labour in the Lao People's Democratic Republic to Support Trade and Compliance," funded by the Government of Canada through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).