The International Labour Organization (ILO) plays a pivotal role in shaping the world of work, promoting fair labor standards, and ensuring social justice across the globe. Understanding the ILO is essential for anyone interested in labor rights, human dignity at work, and global employment policies.
What is the International Labour Organization (ILO)?
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established in 1919 as part of the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I. It was founded on the principle that lasting peace can only be achieved if it is based on social justice. The ILO brings together governments, employers, and workers from 187 member states to set labor standards, develop policies, and devise programs promoting decent work for all.
Objectives of the ILO
The core mission of the ILO is to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection, and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues. Its objectives include:
- Promoting Freedom of Association
- Elimination of Forced or Compulsory Labour
- Abolition of Child Labour
- Elimination of Discrimination in Employment and Occupation
Structure of the ILO
The ILO is unique for its tripartite structure, which includes:
- Representatives of governments
- Employers
- Workers
This system ensures that labor standards and policies reflect a balance of interests. The main bodies of the ILO include:
- International Labour Conference – The “parliament of labor,” meets annually to set policies and adopt international labor standards.
- Governing Body – Acts as the executive council, meets three times a year.
- International Labour Office – The permanent secretariat, responsible for research, publishing reports, and implementing decisions.
Key Functions of the ILO
- Setting International Labour Standards
Through Conventions and Recommendations, the ILO sets minimum international labor standards on issues like wages, working hours, maternity protection, and workplace safety. - Monitoring and Supervising Compliance
Member states report on how they implement ILO standards, and the organization monitors compliance. - Technical Assistance and Capacity Building
The ILO helps countries improve their labor laws, systems, and practices, especially in developing nations. - Research and Publications
The ILO publishes reports such as the Global Wage Report, World Employment and Social Outlook, and others that provide insights into labor trends and challenges.
Major Achievements of the ILO
- Adoption of 190+ Conventions, including Convention No. 87 (Freedom of Association) and Convention No. 98 (Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining).
- Nobel Peace Prize in 1969 for improving peace among classes, pursuing decent work, and promoting justice.
- ILO’s Decent Work Agenda, launched in 1999, which aims to reduce poverty through employment.
ILO’s Role in the Modern World
In recent years, the ILO has tackled emerging issues such as:
- Gig economy and platform work
- Remote working and work-life balance
- Artificial intelligence and automation
- Green jobs and sustainable employment
- Gender equality in the workplace
It also played a critical role in helping countries protect workers’ rights during the COVID-19 pandemic by issuing guidelines and supporting emergency response efforts.
