Engaging trade unions in a technical committee led to joint wage recommendations and demonstrated the potential for greater refugee representation within EIIPs.

The approach taken in Iraq also involved trade union participation, through the creation of a technical committee to oversee and guide the programme. The direct involvement of the trade unions saw them take on a role to solve issues to do with decent work, in partnership with the government. The leadership role of the unions positioned the ILO as a convenor, enhancing the authority of the social partners. The unions also played a role in advising EIIP workers themselves and supported the election for worker representatives on project sites. The elected representatives pushed for the development of a recommended wages list for 20 occupations in the construction sector. A recommended wages list was drawn up jointly with the construction workers’ union and contractors’ association in Dohuk, providing a positive example of local partners taking on responsibility and ownership. It also shows the potential for EIIP workers to take on greater responsibility as worker representatives and build cohesion by advocating collectively for a shared benefit, such as standardized wages.