The International Labour Organization’s (ILO) International Training Centre (ITCILO) in Turin has delivered a multilingual training course aimed at strengthening negotiation skills for effective collective bargaining among employers’ and workers’ representatives. The programme, supported by the Government of Canada, brought together 102 participants from diverse industrial relations backgrounds.
Held from 25 to 29 May 2026, the course was conducted in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese, reflecting its global reach and focus on inclusive labour dialogue. It is designed to enhance the ability of participants to negotiate collective agreements that are balanced, sustainable, and responsive to both employer and worker interests.
The training emphasized the importance of collective bargaining as a cornerstone of social dialogue and stable labour relations. Participants were encouraged to move beyond adversarial negotiation approaches and adopt more collaborative, interest-based methods that prioritize consensus-building.
Through simulations, case studies, and role-playing exercises, participants practiced real-world bargaining scenarios to better understand how negotiation strategies can either escalate conflict or foster agreement. The programme placed strong emphasis on practical, “learning by doing” methodologies.
A key focus of the course was the human dimension of negotiation, including trust-building, communication, active listening, emotional awareness, and relationship management. These elements were highlighted as essential for creating productive bargaining environments.
The training also covered technical preparation for negotiations, such as analysing interests, assessing alternatives, defining bargaining ranges, and preparing mandates. These skills are intended to help negotiators reach agreements that are durable and implementable.
Overall, the programme reinforced the importance of strong institutional and interpersonal capacities in improving labour relations. By strengthening negotiation skills, the initiative contributes to more effective collective bargaining processes and more stable and equitable employment systems.
