Centre for Labour Advocacy and Dialgoue (CLAD)

Introduction to CLAD

The twin A&D - Advocacy and Dialogue - are increasingly considered important instruments of the civil society and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in seeking a change and improvement in the areas of their respective work. Furthermore, the importance of the "twin” in garnering support in policy development work as well as seeking feedback has also been clearly demonstrated in the recent policy development exercises, such as: the National Employment Policy (2008) and National Emigration Policy (2009).

The importance of the "twin” is highlighted further on other account as well. Whereas advocacy, among others, is needed with regard to the effective implementation of policies and consequent preparation of concrete programs and action plans for the National Policies, for example, of employment, emigration, labor inspection, labor protection, etc. The dialogue is needed for a universal coverage of social protection, classification/simplification of labor laws, improving working conditions especially of home-based workers and informal economy (sector) workers, revision of the Industrial Relations Act (IRA) 2008, etc.

The existence and importance of workers’ organizations and some labor friendly organizations notwithstanding, a need has been greatly felt for a dedicated institution solely focusing on A&D for the labor related matters and issues. These realizations naturally led to the establishment of the Centre for Labour Advocacy and Dialogue (CLAD).

The CLAD – an independent and neutral institution – has tasked itself to strive for the “decent work” for the women and men in the country. With a focus on research, education and training, it has been established to mainly devote its energies on decent employment, working conditions, occupational safety and health, gender mainstreaming, reforms of labour laws, home-based workers, workers in the informal economy (informal sector), universal access to social protection, respect to the universally acclaimed fundamental rights of working women and men, protection of the rights of migrant workers, and governance of labour market institutions.