The International Labor Organization (ILO)

Contents

Introduction
Origin and History
Objectives of ILO
Structure /work procedure
Fundamental Conventions
Contribution of ILO
Conclusion

1. Introduction

The International Labor Organization (ILO) is a novel prize winning institution (1969) and
specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) formed to improving labor conditions and living
standards throughout the world. Its main objective is the improvement of labor conditions
(Monappa, 1985, p. 320). It works for providing justice for workers, technical assistance to
developing nations. In recognition of its activities, the International Labor Organization (ILO)
was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1969. It is established in 1919 as agency of United
nations dealing with labor problems, international labor standards, social protection, and
work opportunities for all labor. Bangladesh has been an important and active member State of
the International Labor Organization (ILO) since 22 June 1972.

2. Origins and history

The International Labor Organization (ILO) was created in 1919, as part of the Treaty of
Versailles. The Constitution was set up between January and April, 1919, by the Labor
Commission in the Peace Conference, which first met in Paris and then in Versailles. The
International Labor Organization (ILO) became the first affiliated specialized agency of the
United Nations in 1946.

3. Objectives

The International Labor Organization (ILO) is formed to promote-

-Worlds peace through Social justice

- Internationally recognized human and labor rights

-Brings together governments, employers and workers representatives of 187 member States

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-Set labor standards and develop policies

-Draws attention on various problems like: working conditions, unemployment, industrial

accidents, diseases, problem of women & young persons, children etc.

-Develops economic and working conditions that give all workers, employers and governments
peace, prosperity and progress which is known as Decent Work agenda of The International
Labor Organization (ILO).

International Labor Conference held at Philadelphia in April in 1944 during the Second World
War, the principles of ILO were affirmed as follows:

a. Labor is not a commodity.

b. Freedom of expression and of association is essential to sustained growth.

c. Poverty anywhere constitutes a danger to prosperity everywhere.

d. War against want requires to be carried out by joint efforts by government, management and
workers together on equal status and with democratic traditions.

The objectives of the ILO were redefined at the Philadelphia conference in 1944. This was
termed as Declaration of Philadelphia (Monappa, 1985, p. 321).

4. Structure/Working Procedure through Bodies

ILO

International labor Conference Governing Body Internal Labor Office

Figure: Structure of ILO

The ILO mainly works through three main bodies which consist of governments, employers'
and workers' representatives:

a) International labor Conference/parliament of labor

b) Governing body/ Executive Council
c) International Labor Office/ secretariat of The International Labor Organization(ILO)

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a) International labor Conference (ILC)

International labor Conference sets the International labor standards and the broad policies of the
International Labor Organization (ILO). A conference was held annually in Geneva, which is
known as international parliament of labor, because the Conference is the place of discussion of
key social and labor questions. Highlighting the its functions are-

-Formulates International labor standards

-Elect president

-Decide expenditure budget

-Consider labor problems & assist solution

-confirms the power, functions and procedure of regional conference ((Monappa, 1985, p. 325).

b) Governing body

Governing body (56

members)

28 government 14 workers 14 employers'

representatives representatives

The Governing body is the executive council of the International Labor Organization (ILO). It
holds three meeting a year in Geneva for taking decisions on The International Labor
Organization (ILO) policy and preparing the budget and then submits to the Conference for
adoption. Highlighting the its functions are-

- It is executive wing of The International Labor Organization (ILO)

-Elects director-general

-Scrutinize the budge

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-coordinates the work of organization (Monappa, 1985, p. 325).

c) International Labor Office (ILO)

The International Labor Office is the permanent secretariat of the International Labor
Organization which it prepares under the scrutiny of the Governing Body and under the
leadership of the Director-General. . Highlighting the its functions are-

-Legislative wing of The International Labor Organization

-Its headquarter is at Geneva

- elect governing body

-Vocational training and others like Promotion of small industries, workers education programs.

-Health, safety & welfare Conditions of Migrant workers, Women workers and Child workers

5. The International Labor Organization (ILO) Tripartite Method

The International Labor Organization is the only tripartite agency of United Nations.

Tripartite Method

Governments workers Worker representatives

Figure: ILO Tripartite Method

6. Contribution of the International Labor Organization

Policy Setting
Oversight
Technical Assistance

The functions of the International Labor Organization (ILO) include protecting and improving
working conditions and standards of living. The ILO also provides technical assistance in social
policy and administration and in workforce training; fosters cooperative organizations and rural

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industries; compiles labor statistics and conducts research on the social problems of international
competition, unemployment and underemployment, labor and industrial relations, and
technological change (including automation); and helps to protect the rights of international
migrants and organized labor.

A) Policy Setting

The International Labor Organization (ILO) Constitution sets forth its mission, organizational
structure, and procedures. ILO "Declarations" provide global direction at critical times in history,
and are a key tool for restating the long-term vision, mid-term goals, and immediate "next steps"
for countries. Two of the six declarations adopted over the years are central.

a) The International Labor Organization(ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles

and Rights at Work

Adopted in 1998, the Declaration commits member states to respect and promote eight
fundamental principles and rights in four categories, whether or not they have ratified the
relevant Conventions.

They are:

freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining (Conventions 87 and 98)

the elimination of forced or compulsory labor (No. 29 and No. 105)

the abolition of child labor (Conventions No. 138 and No. 182)

the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation (Conventions

No. 100 and No. 111)

The role of the ILO, (2017). Retrieved from http://www.industriall-union.org/the-role-of-the-

ilo

It also recognizes the obligation of the ILO to provide technical support and encourages other
international organizations to support the process.

b) The International Labor Organization(ILO) declaration on Social Justice for a Fair

Globalization

The second core declaration is the 2008 ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair
Globalization, which restates the ILO mission in today's globalized setting. Adopted amid world
financial turmoil and economic uncertainty, it identifies the primary goals of the ILO today as
"decent and productive work" opportunities for women and men. Decent work, promoted
through a technical assistance program (discussed later), is defined by four pillars:

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 job creation to eliminate long-term unemployment and underemployment;

rights at work (both human and labor), covered by ILO labor standards;

social protection: health care and income security for unemployment, sickness, work
injury, old age, or maternity; and

Tripartite dialogue among representatives of government, businesses, and workers.

B) Oversight

a) Components of the oversight system

Components of the oversight system includes-

-Reporting requirements for member countries;

- The International Labor Organization (ILO) committees to examine those reports and release
findings; and

- a complaint system under which the Governing Body,

Other countries or labor or management groups can initiate closer examination of country
implementation practices. Technical assistance may be offered at any point along the way to
assist government, businesses, and labor in their work of promoting compliance.

Reporting requirements for member countries are:

every year on their application of fundamental conventions they have not ratified, and on
difficulties delaying their ratification;

every two years on fundamental conventions they have ratified; and

every five years on all other conventions they have ratified.

Countries are also required to submit copies of their reports to relevant employer and employee
groups, which may, in turn, forward their own comments on the relevant application of standards
to the International Labor Organization (ILO).

b) Supervisory system

The International Labor Organization (ILO) Constitution establishes a supervisory system to

oversee countries' application of ILO standards. Two supervisory systems overseen by the
Governing Body examine country reports and address implementation.

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 Under the regular system, the Governing Body Committee of Experts on the Application of
Conventions and Recommendations (Committee of Experts) conducts technical evaluations of
country reports and forwards observations to the tripartite Conference Committee on the
Application of Standards (Conference Committee). This committee identifies issues for
discussion at the annual Conference, and draws conclusions and recommendations.

c) Under the complaint system

Under the complaint system, complaints may be initiated by the Governing Body, worker or
employer groups, or by one country against another country. Countries may appeal cases
initiated by another country to the U.N. International Court of Justice.

d) "Wise and expedient" action

If issues are not resolved under the complaint system, the Governing Body may recommend that
the Conference take "wise and expedient" action to secure compliance.

For example The International Labor Organization (ILO) has taken such action only once, in
1999-2000, in the case of Burma/Myanmar, for "widespread and systemic use" of forced labor
especially forced child labor for military purposesby government authorities.

C) Technical Assistance

The International Labor Organization (ILO) offers technical assistance is another function ILO.
It tends to assist technically government officials, employee organizations, employer groups,
industries, policymakers, and others in many forms labor migration, working conditions, and
labor relations.

a) Forms of assistance

It include research, education and training centers, in-person technical assistance, targeted
programs, printed books, electronic databases, and electronic (email) consultation.

Technical assistance and information exchange are provided through global The International
Labor Organization (ILO) operations.

- In-person, rapid-response technical assistance

In-person, rapid-response technical assistance is offered to governments to help them apply ILO
labor principles when crises emerge.

For example In 2013, after the Bangladesh Rana Plaza Collapse that killed more than 1,100
apparel workers, the International Labor Organization(ILO) arrived to help Bangladesh apply
fundamental labor principles to ready it for the ILO Better Work program.

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 b) Two training centers:

The International Institute for Labor Studies in Geneva, and

The International Training Center in Turin, Italy;

c) In-Focus programs

In-Focus programs are targeted to specific populations or to specific issues. Other In-Focus
programs concentrate on promoting skills, knowledge, and employability; boosting employment
through small enterprise development; crisis response and reconstruction; economic and social
security; safety and health at work; gender promotion (women) and equality; multinational
enterprises; and migrant workers.

d) Decent Work programs

Decent Work programs are multi-year programs for more than 80 participating countries,
supporting the broad ILO mission. The Decent Work program is largely self-administered by
countries, primarily through email and telephone, and is based on information-sharing and
consultation.

The International Labor Organization (ILO): Background in Brief, (2015). Retrieved from
https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/R44165.html

5. The Follow-Up

The Follow-Up establishes a system for monitoring the implementation of the eight fundamental
conventions (two defining each ILO fundamental labor principle) by requiring that all members
must report to the ILO annually on changes in their law and practice relating to fundamental
conventions they have not ratified. These reports are reviewed by the Governing Body which
produces a periodic global report contributing to a dynamic worldwide picture of evolving
implementation of the four categories of fundamental principles.

6. Fundamental Conventions

The ILO's Governing Body has identified eight conventions as "fundamental" these are

The eight fundamental Conventions are:

1. Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize Convention, 1948 (No. 87)

2. Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98)

3. Forced Labor Convention, 1930 (No. 29)

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4. Abolition of Forced Labor Convention, 1957 (No. 105)

5. Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138)

6. Worst Forms of Child Labor Convention, 1999 (No. 182)

7. Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100)

8. Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111)

The eight fundamental Conventions, (1998).Retrieved from

http://www.ilo.org/global/standards/introduction-to-international-labour-standards/conventions-
and-recommendations/lang--en/index.htm

7. Functions of the International Labor Organization (ILO)

By 2006, the various sessions of the International Labor Conference had built up the edifice of
the international labor code through the adoption of 185 conventions and 195 recommendations,
covering such questions as the following:

employment and unemployment: employment services, national development programs,

and provisions for unemployment;

various aspects of conditions of work: wages, hours, weekly rest periods, annual holidays
with pay, and allied topics;

employment of children and young persons: minimum age of admission to employment,

medical examination for fitness for employment, vocational training and apprenticeship,
and night work;

employment of women: maternity protection, night work, and employment in unhealthy

work;

industrial health, safety, and welfare;

social security;

industrial (i.e., management-labor) relations;

labor inspection;

social policy in nonmetropolitan areas and concerning indigenous and tribal populations;

protection of migrants; and

Trade unionism and collective bargaining (http://www.encyclopedia.com).

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 8. International labor standards

Ensuring the freedom of association and collective bargaining can go a long way toward
promoting labor market efficiency and better economic performance. And there are obvious
economic and social reasons for banning slavery and all forms of forced labor."
World Bank, 2004.

The International Labor Organization (ILO) creates international labor standards

with Conventions. Conventions are drawn up with input from governments, workers and
employers groups at the ILO. Conventions are adopted by the International Labor Conference,
which meets every year in Geneva.

In ratifying an ILO Convention, a member state accepts it as a legally binding instrument. Many
countries use the Conventions as a tool to bring national laws in line with international standards.

9. Trade unions at the ILO

Worker group representation is drawn from national trade union confederations, so trade unions
play a crucial role in developing policy at the ILO. The Bureau for Workers' Activities
(ACTRAV) at the secretariat is dedicated to strengthening independent and democratic trade
unions so they can better defend workers rights and interests.

10. Conclusion

The International Labor Organization has been able to protect labor rights through its efforts
focusing on labor rights and workers rights. For recognition of their efforts they won Nobel Prize
in 1969. The ILO works through three bodies which is structerised in a formal way. Through the
ILO, 183 member states cans freely and openly debate about labor standards and policies.

Reference

1. ILOConstitution, http://www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/leg/download/constitut
ion.pdf.
2. http://www.ilo.org/global/lang--en/index.htm
3. http://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences-and-law/political-science-and-
government/united-nations/international-labor
4. Monappa, A. (1985). Industrial Relations: New Dilhi: Tata McGraw-Hill
publishing company.
5. International Labor Organization, International labor standards, Geneva, 1968.

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