Our Approach
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Explore the sections below to learn more about how and why we built the Guide, and the ideas that shaped it.
The concept of stakeholder engagement, often shaped by land-based investments such as mining and infrastructure that involve land acquisition, tends to overlook the long-established norm of social dialogue between companies and workers. Social dialogue, a cornerstone of industrial relations, refers to the bipartite or tripartite relationship between labor, management, and at times government. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), “the foundation of effective social dialogue rests on respecting, promoting and realizing the fundamental principles and rights at work, particularly freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining”.[1]
Including social dialogue in a stakeholder engagement framework helps ensure that worker voices are not sidelined—especially in jurisdictions where labor unions are weak or not legally permitted. It also reinforces the importance of formal mechanisms for worker representation and provides a structured avenue for addressing workplace concerns, promoting more balanced and sustainable corporate decision-making. Importantly, social dialogue must reflect the diversity of the workforce. Workers are not a homogenous group, and meaningful engagement requires the intentional inclusion of women, migrant laborers, temporary or contract workers, and other marginalized laborers whose perspectives are often underrepresented. About the Labor Rights Investor Network (LRIN)Established in 2023 under the Global Unions’ Committee on Workers’ Capital (CWC), the Labor Rights Investor Network (LRIN) brings together asset owners, managers, and investment service providers to better understand the “risks and benefits associated with worker rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.”[2] It functions as an educational and collaborative platform where investors committed to advancing labor rights can exchange knowledge and strengthen their stewardship and engagement practices. [1] International Labour Organization, “Social Dialogue and Tripartism,” International Labour Organization, January 7, 2025, https://www.ilo.org/topics-and-sectors/social-dialogue-and-tripartism. [2] “Labour Rights Investor Network,” CWC (Committee on Workers’ Capital) (blog), accessed May 25, 2025, https://www.workerscapital.org/labour-rights-investor-network/. |
