Background
document
Parallels for ASEM in the international arena
71. In the attempt to articulate a union vision of ASEM as a more consultative and inclusive process, there are several parallels of use. The ILO is an example of a fully tripartite structure, where decisions are reached by consensus of three strong, representative, and independent groups. Through such a process, baseline standards can be set which have wide-ranging support. The OECD is another model, especially in light of the proposal to set up a Business Advisory Council at ASEM3. Both the Trade Union Advisory Committee(TUAC) and the Business and Industry Advisory Committee(BIAC) provide information and analysis to the OECD Secretariat and as expert advice to outside requests, but they also challenge the arguments of members of the OECD secretariat and member governments in a review process. Thus the OECD can assimilate both union and business viewpoints throughout the process of formulating policy advice for its members, and as a result, better advice is given.
72. The EU is another model of formal social dialogue, relevant not only because of its major role in ASEM, but also because at the basis of the EU is the common market, which is a highly developed version of the free market goals of ASEM. Also, the European example is proof that trade liberalisation and a commitment to social dialogue and workers' rights - to ensure that they are able to participate in and contribute to the dialogue - do combine to produce economic growth and prosperity on a more equitable basis.
73. The fourth useful parallel is APEC, where unions in member countries have formed the ICFTU Asia Pacific Labour Network(APLN), and since 1995, have held an annual Conference at which issues of regional concern are discussed, and a statement is formulated. APLN has, also every year since 1995, met with the Head of State or Government holding the annual APEC summit. The APLN has been able to voice some of the concerns and views of the labour movement in the APEC region, and deliver the Statement to be presented to the APEC Leaders. In this fashion, APLN has gradually built up an informal consultative role in APEC.
© Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung I October 2000
Draft
statement
to
ASEM 3