The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a vital global agency committed to advancing social and economic justice through the establishment of international labor standards. The ILO consists of 187 member states and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The organization operates approximately 40 field offices worldwide to ensure accessible, productive, and sustainable work conditions across the globe, promoting principles of freedom, equity, security, and dignity.
Key Takeaways
- The ILO is a global agency dedicated to advancing social and economic justice through labor standards.
- The organization’s efforts focus on fostering fair conditions of employment and human dignity worldwide.
- ILO conventions and protocols play a significant role in shaping international labor laws.
Understanding the ILO
Founded in 1919 under the League of Nations, the International Labour Organization (ILO) became the first specialized agency of the United Nations in 1946. Its foundational aim is to unite governments, businesses, and workers in promoting fair and dignified working conditions for all.
The ILO spearheads the promotion of international labor standards across various regions, including Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, and Europe and Central Asia. It enhances training on employment standards, offers technical support to partner nations, analyzes labor statistics, and organizes events addressing critical labor issues. In recognition of these efforts, the ILO received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969.
The labor standards developed by the ILO are documented in 190 conventions and six protocols, covering rights such as [collective bargaining], elimination of forced or compulsory labor, abolition of child labor, and elimination of employment discrimination. These conventions and protocols have become cornerstones of international labor law.
The ILO operates through a tri-partite structure, bringing together representatives from governments, employers, and workers. The organization’s main bodies include the International Labour Conference, the Governing Body, and the International Labour Office, which manage international labor standards, policy, and administrative activities.
Inspirational Learning from the ILO’s Harmonization Efforts
The ILO’s labor standards are framed through conventions/protocols and non-binding recommendations. Conventions and protocols require ratification by member states and form legally binding treaties. There are eight fundamental conventions focused on core labor principles:
- Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87)
- Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98)
- Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) and Protocol, 2014
- Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105)
- Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138)
- Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182)
- Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100)
- Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111)
Additionally, four governance conventions are particularly crucial for maintaining the labor standards framework:
- Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81)
- Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122)
- Labour Inspection (Agriculture) Convention, 1969 (No. 129)
- Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144)
Empowering Initiatives: ILO Programs
The ILO orchestrates five flagship programs designed to maximize the impact of its development cooperation globally:
BetterWork
Focused on improving working conditions in the garment and footwear industries, this program emphasizes sustainable improvement and operates across eight countries on three continents. Its mission is to demonstrate that safe, dignified work contributes to more productive and profitable business models.
Global Flagship Programme on Building Social Protection Floors (SPFs) for All
Launched in 2016, this program aims to extend social protection to the billions of people currently living insecurely, establishing comprehensive national social protection systems across multiple countries.
International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour and Forced Labour (IPEC+)
Combining older programs to tackle child labor and modern slavery, IPEC+ aims to eliminate child labor by 2025 and end forced labor and human trafficking by 2030. It collaborates with various stakeholders to create transformative changes in law and governance.
Safety + Health for All
Initially known as the Global Action for Prevention on Occupational Safety and Health (GAP-OSH), this initiative focuses on improving worker safety, particularly in small and medium enterprises. The program addresses vulnerable groups and various sectors, adapting to emerging global challenges, including those posed by COVID-19.
Jobs for Peace and Resilience
Targeting job creation in conflict and disaster-affected areas, the program emphasizes employment for youth and women, working towards job security and skills enhancement to build resilience.
24 Million New Jobs
By transitioning to a greener economy under appropriate policies, the ILO predicts the generation of 24 million new jobs globally by 2030.
Bridging to the Future: The ILO’s Mission Beyond 2020
In 2019, the ILO’s Global Commission on the Future of Work convened with recommendations for adapting to the evolving labor landscape. Proposals included a universal labor guarantee, comprehensive social protection, and lifelong learning opportunities.
The ILO also identified that transitioning to a green economy with suitable policies could create millions of new jobs worldwide by 2030, indicating a robust pathway to sustainable and equitable employment future.
Related Terms: United Nations, Labor Laws, Employment Standards, Social Protection.
References
- International Labour Organization. “Mission and impact of the ILO”.
- International Labour Organization. “Departments and offices”.
- International Labour Organization. “About the ILO”.
- International Labour Organization. “History of the ILO”.
- The Nobel Prize. “International Labour Organization”.
- International Labour Organization. “Conventions”.
- International Labour Organization. “Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work Branch (Fundamentals): Four fundamental principles and rights at work”.
- International Labour Organization. “How International Labour Standards Are Used”.
- International Labour Organization. “How the ILO works”.
- International Labour Organization. “Conventions and Recommendations”.
- International Labour Organization. “Introduction to the Programme on Building Social ProtectionFloors for All”.
- International Labour Organization. “Better Work Branch (BETTERWORK)”.
- International Labour Organization. “Introduction to the Programme on Building Social Protection Floors for All”.
- International Labour Organization. “The Global Flagship Programme and COVID-19”.
- International Labour Organization. “International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour and Forced Labour (IPEC+)”.
- International Labour Organization. “Safety + Health for All”.
- International Labour Organization. “Introduction to the ILO’s programme on Jobs for Peace and Resilience”.
- International Labour Organization. “Global Commission on the Future of Work: Work for a brighter future”. Pages 11 and 12.
- International Labour Organization. “Greening with jobs: World Employment Social Outlook 2018”. Page 1.
