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This paper investigates under what conditions a strong social dialogue may promote worker’s well-being in small enterprises even if these are not (well) represented in employer organizations or trade unions. The paper focuses on industrial cleaning and contract catering, known for low-skilled, standardized and part-time work. These sectors operate in a ‘triangular relationship’ where the employment relationship and job quality are shaped not only by the service provider, as the formal employer, but also by the client-company at whose site the work is carried out. We argue that this triangular relationship combined with a strong sectoral social dialogue may shape conditions for relatively good working conditions for the vulnerable work force, even in small businesses. A consensual social dialogue, which we observed in a number of EU countries and at the EU level, is rooted in joint interests to negotiate contracts with client-companies that are beneficial to both service providers and workers and to combat unfair competition. Employer organizations want to secure a stable, well-trained workforce, to take wages and working conditions out of the market competition and to move up to ‘high service delivery’ to defend market positions. Illustrations for joint actions are: lobbying for responsible procurement, daytime cleaning and the development of training concerning safety at work in contract catering. We observe two conditions under which these arrangements are also beneficial for workers in small enterprises. First, comprehensive labour regulations and extended collective agreements at the national level that can mitigate differences in employment conditions across sectors,. Second, enforced rules for responsible procurement based on both economic and social criteria. a) The paper addresses the theme of workers’ well-being by focusing on the social dialogue and on common actions of trade unions and employer organizations. b) The paper relates to the central conference theme because it illustrates how workers’ well-being can be improved through a strong social dialogue. c) The paper investigates the institutional conditions under which these mechanisms are beneficial for small enterprises and their workers. Learning objectives: • Learn why ancillary services such as cleaning and catering not necessarily have to operate under poor working conditions • Learn about coalitions between employer organisations and trade unions that are conducive for promoting decent work in ancillary services, even in small enterprises • Learn about institutional conditions of national employment regulation systems for improving well-being at work of vulnerable workers in ancillary services.