International Labour Organization (ILO):International Relations Notes

International Labour Organization (ILO) is the only tripartite United Nations institution. It brings together governments, businesses, and employees from 187 member countries to establish labour standards, develop laws, and design programmes to promote decent work for all women and men. It was established in 1919 as part of the Treaty of Versailles, which concluded World War I, to reflect the notion that universal and permanent peace can only be achieved through social justice.

In this article, we will understand the composition and functioning of the International Labour Organization (ILO). All these dimensions are important for competitive examinations like IAS,IPS,IFS etc. Considering this, the Testbook provides the best quality notes for UPSC Exams. Study major topics of Indian Polity from the perspective of UPSC Exams. 

International Labour Organization (ILO)

• As the ILO celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2019, it is appropriate to reflect on the many life-changing events associated with the ILO’s ten decades of existence.
• The Organization has played crucial historical roles, including the Great Depression, decolonization, the formation of Solidarno in Poland, the defeat of apartheid in South Africa, and the current effort to construct an ethical and productive framework for fair globalisation.

Mission and impact of the ILO

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is devoted to promoting social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights, pursuing its founding mission that social justice is essential to universal and lasting peace.

Only a tripartite U.N. agency, the ILO brings together governments, employers and workers representatives of 187 member States , to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all women and men.

It serves its tripartite constituents – and society as a whole – in a variety of ways, including:

Formulation of international policies and programmes to promote basic human rights, improve working and living conditions, and enhance employment opportunities

Creation of international labour standards backed by a unique system to supervise their application

अंतर्राष्ट्रीय श्रम संगठन (ILO) हिंदी में भी पढ़ें!

Structure of ILO

• The ILO conducts its business through three primary bodies comprised of representatives from governments, employers, and workers:
• The International Labour Conference establishes international labour standards and the ILO’s general policy. It holds an annual meeting in Geneva. It is frequently referred to as an International Labour Parliament.
• It also serves as a forum for debate on important social and labour issues.
• The ILO’s executive council serves as the governing body. It meets in Geneva three times a year.
• It implements ILO policy decisions and develops the programme and budget, which it subsequently offers to the Conference for approval.
• Tripartite committees spanning important industries assist the Governing Body and the Office in their work.
• It is further backed up by expert committees on vocational training, management development, occupational safety and health, industrial relations, workers’ education, and particular issues affecting women and young employees.
• The International Labour Office is the International Labour Organization’s permanent secretariat.
• It serves as the focal point for the ILO’s overall activities, which it plans under the supervision of the Governing Body and the direction of the Director-General.
• Regional meetings of ILO member states are convened on a regular basis to address issues of particular importance to the areas concerned.

ILO Conventions

• Overall, 135 member States have ratified all eight fundamental conventions. Unfortunately, 48 member states (out of 183 member States), including member states with the highest populations, have yet to complete ratification of all eight conventions.
• The eight-core conventions of the ILO 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)
  • Freedom of Association and Protection of Right to Organised Convention (No.87)
  • Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention (No.98)

Significance of ILO for India

• India is an ILO founding member and has been a permanent member of the ILO Governing Body since 1922.
• The first ILO office in India opened in 1928. The ILO and its components have had fruitful cooperation for decades, with mutual trust and respect as basic principles.
• It is based on creating long-term institutional capacities and enhancing partner capacities.
• Six of the eight core/fundamental ILO conventions have been ratified by India.
• A universal labour guarantee that protects workers’ fundamental rights, such as a decent living wage, work-hour limitations, and safe and healthy workplaces.
• Guaranteed social safety from infancy to old age that meets people’s needs throughout their lives.
• A global right to lifelong learning that allows people to study, reskill, and upskill.
• Managing technological change to promote decent employment, including the development of an international governance system for digital labour platforms.
• Increased investment in the health-care, green, and rural economies.
• A transformational and measurable gender equality agenda.
• Restructuring business incentives to encourage long-term investments

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Questions to Ace Your Exams

Q1. How to cite International Labor Organizations?
In adherence to the APA format, when referencing the International Labour Organization (ILO), maintain a formal structure: "International Labour Organization. (Year of publication). Title of the report. Publisher." If the report is accessed online, include the specific URL. 
Conversely, in a more unpretentious tone, akin to acknowledging a friend's contribution to a group project, accredit the ILO, stating the report's title and the publication year. Remember, citation transcends a mere procedural step; it is an affirmation of global collaborative knowledge, linking individual efforts to the broader tapestry of shared wisdom. 

Q2. What does the International Labor Organization do?
The International Labor Organization (ILO) serves as a global advocate for workers, prioritizing the promotion of social justice and equitable labor practices globally.
Hence, central to its mission is the establishment of international labor standards and the steadfast advocacy for fair working conditions globally. Functioning as a mediator in the realm of civil employment, the ILO facilitates constructive dialogues among governments, employers, and workers to formulate policies fostering job security, fair wages, and safe workplaces.
Beyond regulatory frameworks, the organization extends its impact by providing technical assistance, conducting research, and offering training programs to bridge existing gaps. 

Q3. What is the purpose of the International Labor Organization?
The International Labour Organization (ILO), established in 1919, represents a collective commitment to promote global social justice and equitable labor practices. Its mission transcends policy frameworks, aiming to empower workers on a global scale. 
The ILO's overarching purpose is profound: to establish a world where labor is not merely a transaction but a foundation of human dignity. Hence, through the formulation of international labor standards, the organization ensures fair working conditions, just wages, and social protection. 
Therefore, beyond regulatory initiatives, the ILO fosters dialogue, cooperation, and partnerships, recognizing that the well-being of individuals knows no borders. 

Q4. How to join an International Labor Organization?
Embarking on the path to joining the International Labour Organization (ILO) requires a meticulous process marked by collaboration and unwavering commitment. Commence by conducting a thorough assessment of your eligibility, a criterion often met by nations seeking membership. 
Subsequently, establish communication with your country's labor or foreign affairs department to glean insights into their position on ILO collaboration. If alignment prevails, express a formal interest in joining the ILO. 
Moreover, diplomacy assumes a central role at this juncture, initiating dialogues at the national level to underscore the mutual benefits of affiliating with the ILO. Craft a compelling case, elucidating how your nation's participation contributes significantly to the global labor dialogue. It is imperative to recognize that joining the ILO is not merely an accession but an active co-creation of a world where universal labor rights resonate.

International Labour Organization (ILO) for UPSC Exams: