Special Project 1: Nedlac Review


The National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) commissioned Professor Eddie Webster to conduct an independent review of the institution to inform ongoing debates around the centrality of social dialogue in our democracy.  The Review has sought to evaluate both the functioning of NEDLAC as an institution and the role-played by the social partners who through, their actions effectively make the institution what they want it to be. Before exploring these two areas and the challenges facing NEDLAC, the Review sought to demonstrate NEDLAC's contributions in establishing social dialogue as an acceptable and invaluable part of the country's policy making process.

The review of NEDLAC 1995-2006, reveals the extent of NEDLAC's contribution and that of social dialogue to the 'sustainability of the economic and social reform processes since 1994. This has been no small feat if one considers that the country emerged from a culture of adversarialism and conflict. Within a relatively short period of time, NEDLAC created a forum in which the social partners - labour, government, business and the community constituency - have been able to build some level of trust and engage on a range of policy.

Work in Progress

The Nedlac Review Steering Committee commenced the process of considering the recommendations in the Webster Report including those recommendations that were put forward by the social partners.

The Steering Committee agreed to fast track the consideration of the review in two phases.  Phase 1 will focus on operational issues and phase 2 will focus on matters relating to Governance and Structure.  The deadline to complete the consideration of issues under phase 1 is September 2009.