1. Inter-American Network for Labor Administration (RIAL) Results and Update 2006–2009
Meeting of WG2 at XV IACML – 21 May 2009, Washington, D.C.

2. Background
XIII IACML, 2003–2005: Feasibility study – IACML mechanism for strengthening labor administration. OAS–ILO proposal.
XIV IACML, Mexico, 2005: OAS charged with seeking out funding and exploring operation of RIAL.
2006: Creation, with funding from Canada’s Labour Program.
XV IACML, Trinidad and Tobago, 2007: Increased support for RIAL.
Dec. 2007: IACML Authorities adopt Operation Guide.

3. Description
The IACML’s mechanism for cooperation and technical assistance
Goal: To strengthen the institutional and human capacities of Ministries of Labor (MOLs)
Coordinated by the OAS Dept of Social Development and Employment (IACML Technical Secretariat)
Priorities and activities: Set every two years by IACML authorities (troika, chairs and vice chairs of WGs)
Funded chiefly by the Government of Canada, with contributions in cash and kind from several ministries (Argentina, Brazil, United States and Mexico)

4. Activities
Identifies, systematizes, and disseminates MOLs programs and projects
Fosters the critical transfer of experiences and lessons learned
Facilitates communication between MOLs and other stakeholders
Improves the ability of MOLs to identify their needs and to formulate proposals for technical and financial assistance
Strengthens coordination and collaboration among organizations and cooperation agencies

5. Tools IACML Working Groups Workshops Studies Portfolio Coop. Fund
Bulletin
Web & Forums
Video-conf.

6. Results Portfolio: On line Permanently updated
79 programs, 13 countries, 6 areas

7. Results (cont.) 11 Hemispheric Workshops:
Occupational Health and Safety
Youth Employment
Social Dialogue
Employment Services
Labor Migration
Technical Assistance
Labor Dimension of FTAs and Integration
Labor Inspection

8. Results (cont.) 11 Hemispheric Workshops: More than 400 MOL officers
14 International organizations
27 NGOs and research centers
ALL the OAS Member States

9. Results (cont.)
Two Technical Studies – Gender
Two News Bulletins

10. Results (cont.) RIAL Cooperation Fund
Bilateral activities: On-site / expert visits
Three calls for proposals issued: 2007, 2008, 2009
More than 130 proposals received
Selection: 49 activities – 23 carried out

11. Results (cont.) RIAL Cooperation Fund – selected impacts
Development of Labor Market Observatory in Honduras (Argentina)
Design of OSH Agency in T&T (United States)
Compliance with ILO reports in El Salvador (Dom. Rep.)
Reorganization of MJT of Paraguay (Brazil)
Conciliation bill drafted in Dominican Republic (Argentina)

12. Lessons Learned
Indispensable: Conviction / commitment toward cooperation
Focal point defined within each MOL
Socialization within MOLs
Participation of technical staff and area heads
Greater impact in Cooperation Fund:
Pertinence/relevance
Adapted to specific needs
Involvement of technical staff from the onset

13. Challenges Follow-up – joint responsibility of MOLs and OAS
Funding – sustainability
Greater socialization within MOLs
Use of new technologies (ICTs)

14. Department of Social Development and Employment SEDI – OAS
Thank you very much
Contact information:
María Claudia Camacho
RIAL Coordinator
Department of Social Development and Employment SEDI – OAS