External Evaluation of the Global Labor Program Final Report

The program, launched by The Solidarity Center, focuses on supporting labor unions and civil society organizations in their efforts to advocate for workers' rights and interests. The evaluation of the GLP was conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago, with a team of researchers led by Michael Midling and Ana María García Femenía. The evaluation aimed to assess the program's effectiveness in promoting policy changes and improving labor rights in various countries. The evaluation approach involved a mixed-methods design, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods. The researchers conducted in-depth case studies in three countries: Cambodia, Georgia, and Mexico. The case studies provided a detailed examination of the program's impact on labor rights and policy changes in each country. The evaluation found that the GLP had a significant impact on promoting policy changes in the three countries. In Cambodia, the program contributed to the approval of the Law on Occupational Safety and Health, as well as the expansion of access to social security. In Georgia, the program played a key role in the approval of the Law on Occupational Safety and Health and the increased awareness of labor rights, particularly among women and in the informal economy. In Mexico, the program contributed to the current labor reform and the expansion of access to social security. The evaluation also identified several contextual factors that influenced the program's success, including international pressure, political will, and the relative strength of labor unions. The researchers found that awareness-raising and advocacy, labor organizing, and collaborative partnerships were the most successful implementation approaches in promoting policy changes. Based on the evaluation findings, the researchers identified several areas for GLP improvement, including research, peer learning, and capacity building for labor unions. The evaluation concluded that the GLP had made significant progress in promoting labor rights and policy changes, but that there was still room for improvement and further strengthening of the program. The evaluation's recommendations for the GLP include increasing its focus on research and peer learning, as well as providing more support for labor unions to build their capacity and strengthen their advocacy efforts. The evaluation also recommended that the GLP continue to prioritize its work in countries with strong labor movements and civil society organizations, and that it explore new opportunities for collaboration and partnership with other organizations and stakeholders. Overall, the evaluation of the GLP provides valuable insights into the program's effectiveness and impact, and highlights the importance of continued support for labor rights and policy changes in countries around the world.