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Link to Labour Arrangement text
Noting the context of the growing economic and political relationship under the CEP, the preamble sets out both countries’ aspiration to promote sound labour policies and practices and their commitment to sustainable development. It acknowledges the contribution sound labour policies and practices make to sustainable economic development, improved living standards and working conditions. It also refers to the countries’ sovereign rights and to legitimate comparative advantages.
In this section, New Zealand and Thailand reaffirm their obligations as members of the ILO, including their commitments under the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and its Follow-up. They also undertake to:
A framework for cooperative activities is established to promote sound labour policies and practices, the Shared Understandings of the Arrangement, and the broader bilateral relationship. Cooperative activities will be jointly decided and may include matters such as the promotion of labour rights and obligations, labour/management co-operation, employment promotion, training and skill development. They may be realised through the exchange of information, joint projects, study visits, workshops etc.
A Labour Committee, comprising senior officials of each government’s labour agencies, is established to act as a forum for communication, set a programme for cooperative activities, oversee and evaluate such activities, review the operation and outcomes of the Arrangement and provide a forum for resolving differences. The Committee will meet within the first year of the Arrangement coming into effect. National focal points are also established to facilitate communication.
Members of the public or domestic non-government sectors in each country will be able to submit their views or advice to their governments on matters relating to the operation of the Arrangement. The Labour Committee will also be able to consult or seek the advice of non-government sectors or relevant experts in each country and may decide to invite their attendance at meetings of the Committee.
Should any differences arise between New Zealand and Thailand over the Arrangement, the Labour Committee will attempt to resolve them through consultation. Any differences unable to be resolved in this way may be referred to the Ministers responsible for the Arrangement in each country.
The Arrangement comes into effect upon signature. It represents a political commitment between New Zealand and Thailand but does not legally bind either country.
