Social dialogue refers to the interaction between different social and economic groups and the authorities on economic and labor related issues. Social dialogue is an essential characteristic of a democratic society, and it is a means of resolving conflicts of interest over economic and social issues. The dimension social dialogue is operationalized using the Civil liberties index developed by Freedom House and bargaining (or union) coverage rate. Firstly, the Freedom House’s civil liberties index includes association and organizational rights, freedom of expression and belief, rule of law and human rights, personal autonomy and economic rights. These individual indicators, especially freedom of association, are linked to this dimension. The Freedom House indicator is the only input indicator used in the JJI.

Legal base and framework
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, article 21 and 22, cover the right to freedom of assembly and the right to freedom of association. More specifically, freedom of association and organization, freedom of expression and belief, Conventions no. 87 and No. 98 spell out the international norms on the principles and procedures of collective bargaining, and the Collective Bargaining Convention (1981) supplements the older Conventions.