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International Labour Organization (ILO) –Structure, Conventions

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International Labour Organization (ILO)

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) dedicated to promoting social justice, decent work, and internationally recognized labour rights. 

  • It is unique among UN bodies because of its tripartite structure, bringing together governments, employers, and workers.
  • ILO brings together governments, employers and workers of 187 Member States, to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all women and men.

Origin

  • Founded: 1919, as part of the Treaty of Versailles after World War I.
  • Became the first specialized UN agency in 1946.
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
  • India: Founding member of the ILO (1919).

India is a founding member of the ILO and has been a permanent member of the ILO Governing Body since 1922. The first ILO office in India opened in 1928.

Objectives

  • The International Labour Organization (ILO) has four strategic objectives: 
    • to promote and realize standards, fundamental principles, and rights at work
    • to create greater opportunities for men and women to secure decent employment
    • to enhance the coverage and effectiveness of social protection for all
    • to strengthen tripartism and social dialogue.

Structure

  • International Labour Conference (ILC): 
    • The Conference sets the international labour standards and the broad policies of the ILO. 
    • It meets annually in Geneva. 
    • Often called an international parliament of labour, the Conference is also a forum for discussion of key social and labour questions.
  • Governing Body: 
    • The Governing Body of the International Labour Office is the executive body of the International Labour Organization . 
    • It meets three times a year, in March, June and November. 
    • It takes decisions on ILO policy, decides the agenda of the International Labour Conference, adopts the draft Programme and Budget of the Organization for submission to the Conference, and elects the Director-General.
  • International Labour Office: 
    • It is the permanent secretariat of the International Labour Organization. 
    • It is the focal point for the International Labour Organization’s overall activities, which it prepares under the scrutiny of the Governing Body and under the leadership of the Director-General.
    • It is headed by Director-General
  • Tripartite Representation: The unique tripartite structure of the ILO gives an equal voice to workers, employers and governments to ensure that their views are closely reflected in setting labour standards and shaping policies.

Conventions & Declarations

  • ILO has adopted 190+ Conventions and 200+ Recommendations.
  • Core Conventions (10 fundamental ones):
    1. Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise
    2. Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining
    3. Forced Labour Convention
    4. Abolition of Forced Labour Convention
    5. Minimum Age Convention
    6. Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention
    7. Equal Remuneration Convention
    8. Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention
    9. Occupational Safety and Health Convention
    10. Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention

INTERNATIONAL LABOUR STANDARDS – ILO CONVENTIONS 

  • The principal means of action in the ILO is the setting up of the International Labour Standards in the form of Conventions and Recommendations. 
    • Conventions are international treaties and are instruments, which create legally binding obligations on the countries that ratify them. 
    • Recommendations are non-binding and set out guidelines orienting national policies and actions.

India and Core Conventions

Core Conventions of the ILO: – The ten Core Conventions of the ILO (also called fundamental/human rights conventions) are:

  • Forced Labour Convention (No. 29)
  • Abolition of Forced Labour Convention (No.105)
  • Equal Remuneration Convention (No.100)
  • Discrimination (Employment Occupation) Convention (No.111)
  • Minimum Age Convention (No.138)
  • Worst forms of Child Labour Convention (No.182)

(The above Six have been ratified by India)

  • Freedom of Association and Protection of Right to Organised Convention (No.87)
  • Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention (No.98)
  • C155 – Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155)
  • C187 – Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187)

ILO Conventions Ratified by India

  • There are 47 ILO conventions and 1 protocol ratified by India. 
  • Out of 47 Convention and 1 protocol ratified by India, of which 39 are in force,5 Conventions and 0 Protocols have been denounced; 4 instruments abrogated.

FAQs 

Q1. What is the International Labour Organization (ILO)?

ILO is a specialized UN agency that promotes social justice, decent work, and internationally recognized labour standards.

Q2. When and why was the ILO established?

The ILO was founded in 1919 as part of the Treaty of Versailles to address social injustice and labour issues after World War I.

Q3. Where is the headquarters of ILO?

ILO is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

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