Introduction
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations established in 1919 to promote social justice, decent work and internationally recognised labour rights.
Historical Background and Establishment
1. Establishment: The ILO was established in 1919 under the Treaty of Versailles following World War I, based on the principle that universal and lasting peace requires social justice.
2. UN Specialised Agency: It became the first specialised agency of the United Nations in 1946.
3. Headquarters: Its headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
4. Membership: It has 187 member states, including India, which has been a founding member since 1919.
5. Nobel Peace Prize: The ILO received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969 for promoting peace and social justice through improved working conditions.
Objectives of the ILO
1. Promoting decent work: The ILO seeks to ensure productive employment opportunities with fair wages, workplace safety, social protection and dignity.
2. Protecting labour rights: It promotes freedom of association, collective bargaining and the elimination of forced labour, child labour and workplace discrimination.
3. Social justice: It aims to reduce inequalities and ensure that economic development benefits workers across different sectors.
4. Employment generation: It supports policies that promote full, productive and freely chosen employment.
5. Social protection: It encourages universal access to social security, including healthcare, maternity benefits, pensions and unemployment protection.
Organisational Structure
The ILO has a unique tripartite structure, which distinguishes it from other UN agencies by providing representation to governments, employers and workers.
1. International Labour Conference (ILC): It is the ILO’s highest decision-making body, which adopts international labour standards, approves the budget and determines its broad policies.
2. Governing Body: It is the executive council that decides the ILO’s agenda, supervises its activities and prepares the agenda of the International Labour Conference.
3. International Labour Office: It functions as the permanent secretariat and undertakes research, technical cooperation and administrative activities.
Major Functions and Initiatives
1. International Labour Standards: The ILO adopts conventions, protocols and recommendations to establish internationally accepted labour standards.
2. Decent Work Agenda: It focuses on four pillars—employment creation, rights at work, social protection and social dialogue.
3. Technical Assistance: It assists member countries in developing labour laws, strengthening institutions and improving working conditions.
4. Research and Statistics: It publishes reports such as the World Employment and Social Outlook and the Global Wage Report to assess global labour-market trends.
5. Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work: It promotes five fundamental categories of labour rights, including the elimination of child labour, forced labour and discrimination, and freedom of association and collective bargaining.
Conclusion
The ILO plays a crucial role in linking economic growth with social justice. Its principles provide an important framework for ensuring inclusive employment, labour welfare and dignified working conditions.
| This Concept Has Been Covered Under This Article: Social Security of Unorganised and Gig Workers: Institutional Gaps, Federalism and Inclusive Labour Welfare |