INTERNATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE OF THE ILO/TURIN A Trade Union Training on Collective Bargaining for Union Leaders (Francophone & Anglophone Africa) 18 to 29 July 2011

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE OF THE ILO/TURIN Relevance of ILO Instruments in the Crisis Context Relevance of ILO Instruments in the Crisis Context Since 1919, the ILO has maintained & developed a system of ILS These ILS aimed at promoting opportunities for women and men to obtain decent and productive work in conditions of freedom, equity, security and dignity. The ILS are an essential component in the international framework for ensuring that growth of the global economy provides benefits to all. The SJD affirmed the relevance of the ILO’s mandate to promote SJ using all means means available to it, including the promotion of ILS

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE OF THE ILO/TURIN Relevance of ILO Instruments in the Crisis Context Relevance of ILO Instruments in the Crisis Context SJD underlined the need to: - Promote ILO ’ s standard-setting policy as a conerstone of ILO activities. - Ensure the role of standards as a useful means of achieving constitutional objectives of the Organisation. ILS are not only a path for DW; they also constitute a valid means of improving economic and social performance. A market governed by a fair set of rules & institutions is more efficient brings benefits to everyone – the labour is no different. Fair labour practices set out in ILS and applied through national legal system ensure an efficient & stable LM for workers & employers.

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE OF THE ILO/TURIN Examples of Relevance of ILO Instruments in the Crisis Context The Protection of Wages Convention, 1949 (No. 95), and the Protection of Workers’ Claims (Employer’s insolvency Convention, 1992 (No. 173), including associated Recommendations. As pressures on companies increase these two Conventions lay out constructive measures for protecting workers wages and processing fairly in cases of an employer’s insolvency. The Termination of Employment Convention, 1982 (No.158), and Recommendation (No. 166). Where lay-offs arise, this Convention shows how termination can take place in a balanced manner.

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE OF THE ILO/TURIN Examples of Relevance of ILO Instruments in the Crisis Context The Employment Relationship Recommendation, 2006 (No.198). This Recommendation is useful for protecting the employment security of workers in atypical employment situations. The Migration for Employment Convention (Revised), 1949 (No. 97) & the Migrant Workers’ (Supplementary Provisions) Convention, 1975 (No. 143). These instruments are very relevant for migrant workers, given that this group is particularly vulnerable in the context of the downturn in labour markets.

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE OF THE ILO/TURIN Examples of Relevance of ILO Instruments in the Crisis Context The Labour Clauses (Public Contracts) Convention, 1949 (No. 94) & the Migrant Workers’ (Supplementary Provisions) Convention, 1975 (No. 143). These Instruments are very relevant for migrant workers, given that this group is particularly vulnerable in the context of the downturn in labour markets. The Labour Clauses (Public Contracts) Convention, 1949 (No. 97); the Labour Relations (Public Sector) Convention, 1978 (No. 151); Collective Bargaining Convention, 1981 (No. 154); and the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No.155). These Conventions can help ensure that investments financed by public stimulus packages generate jobs with decent pay and working conditions.

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE OF THE ILO/TURIN Examples of Relevance of ILO Instruments in the Crisis Context Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No.29); the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87); the Labour Relations (Public Sector) Convention, 1949 (No. 98); the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105); the Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100); the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111); the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) and the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182). In the context of enhancing social protection, these eight fundamental Conventions can guide poverty alleviation efforts and, along with Convention No. 102 (the Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952), strengthen social security systems. Fundamental Conventions are crucial to ensuring a more balanced distribution of the gains from economic growth and reducing excessive inequalities – a key factor behind the crisis.

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE OF THE ILO/TURIN Examples of Relevance of ILO Instruments in the Crisis Context The Tripartite Consultation (ILS) Convention, 1976 (No. 144); the Tripartite Consultation (Activities of the ILO) Recommendation, 1976 (No. 152); the MNE Declaration and the Workers’ Representatives Convention, 1985 (No. 135). These social dialogue mechanisms and processes are a crucial part of the strategy and any social dialogue mechanism presupposes the respect for freedom of association.. The Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122); the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81), and the Labour Inspection (Agriculture) Convention, 1996 (No. 129). Based on policies for full, productive, and freely chosen employment these conventions can provide a useful overarching framework for international action. Effective labour inspection is also an essential tool to prevent abuses of workers’ rights.

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE OF THE ILO/TURIN The Trade Unions’ Role Push for measures to promote respect of ILO standards that are in times of crisis. Promote the ratification and implementation of these standards, including using the mechanisms provided for in Convention No.144. Use the DWCP to reassess the priorities in response to the crisis. Engage with MNEs to ensure: -Socially responsible practices -Decent work in supply chains -Transfer of technology to developing countries -Respect for FoA and CB What else?