International Labour Movement, the ILO & ACTRAV

Objectives of this Session We will discuss on: 1.Brief history of the Labour Movement 2.Structure of Int’l Labour Movement 3.ILO: Principles, Structure & Functions 4.Role of ACTRAV (Bureau for Workers’ Activities) 5.Current Issues facing Actrav-ILO

Origins of the Labour Movement  UK (1770 – 1850) – shift from agriculture to industry - Textiles, Coal & later Railways after 1847  Exploitative work conditions – workers organising illegal (Combination Acts of 1799) – Tolpuddle Martyrs, TU Act of 1925 allowed existence of TUs (but prevented industrial action), Chartist movement - NCA (1840)  Post 1850s – Unions grew, 1867 Master-Servants Act Voting Rights achieved (1867), TUC formed in 1868, Unions legalised by 1871 TU Act, in 1875-Employer & Workmen Act,

Origins of the Labour Movement  In continental Europe- Socialist movement gave rise to unions from 1880s onwards. Germany was the first European country to pass labor laws (social security initiatives from 1883 onwards)  South Asia: TUs illegal till late 19 th C; 1 st formal TU in 1905 (textiles in India) – TU Act TUs linked to national struggle for independence later,  Japan: labour unions started in late 19 th C by social reformers; conditions bad – high mobility, union memberships fluctuated, till 1945, no legal protection; US influence; enterprise family concept (welfare, life time employment, loyalty);

In Africa – emergence of wage labour  1900s – needs of colonial powers led to development of mines, railroads, commercial farming & processing plants – role of high cash taxes obligations on village heads or households –forced/indentured labour–  1920s - emergence of TUs in Tunisia, Zambia (Northern Rhodesia) & South Africa –TUs considered illegal & viciously crushed  WW II - a turning point – Greater demand for raw materials, mining & production in Africa – impetus to urbanization – many Africans fought in the war - stimulated also the struggles against racism & colonialism – ban on TUs lifted in 1940s by Britain Picture source:

In Africa  Post war: rise of communist/socialist movements, return of African soldiers & support of TUs in Europe helped labour movement – 1946 strike of mine workers in SA – inspired TU struggles all over – forced labour abolished in French West Africa after 1946 strike by Railway workers  Workers movement soon linked to political struggles (for freedom) General Strike in Ghana ended with autonomy & promise of full independence by the British (which came in 1957) – same thing happened in other parts (Ex. role played by TUs in SA to end Apartheid) Of course the struggle of African workers continues… Picture source:

Women Workers & TUs  Women’s work historically discounted, not recognised & no rights – change started only under industrial life  Women contributed to industrial revolution in many countries – textiles, coal mines, laundry,  But women not well represented; Crafts Unions excluded them mostly; Attempts to organise women came from outside the labour movement - philanthropists;  1874 : Women's Protective & Provident League formed in UK (later called the Women's Trade Union League)  No voting rights till early 20 century in most countries

Why International Movement? Post WW 1 – emergence of International Labour Movement fueled by the ideals of social justice Solidarity & Unity - the source of strength for workers to affect political change Solidarity & Unity - the source of strength for workers to affect political change Response to Globalization of Capital Response to Globalization of Capital To ensure application of basic labour standards globally To ensure application of basic labour standards globally Need to create a global voice of workers

International TU Organizations WCL World Confederation of Labour, [1920 & 1968] WCL WFTU World Federation of Trade Unions, [1945] WFTU GUFs Global Union Federations GUFs ITUC International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (1949) ITUC PSIPSI EIEI UNIUNI IFJIFJ ITFITF ICEMICEM IUFIUF IFBWWIFBWW ITGLWFITGLWF IMFIMF ETUC[1973]ETUC[1973] OECD- TUAC ICFTU & WCL merged in Nov 2006

ILO (estd 1919): Goals, Principles, Structure & Functions

Fundamental Goal of ILO Standard Setting Technical Co-operation Better Working Conditions Pre-conditions: Respect for Freedom of Association & Right to Collective Bargaining SOCIAL JUSTICE TripartiteSystemTripartiteSystem

4 delegates per Member State International Labour Conference Governing Body International Labour Office 1 Workers’ Delegate 1 Employers’ Delegate 2 Governments’ Delegates 14 Workers’ Representatives 14 Employers’ Representatives 28 Governments’ Representatives ILO STRUCTURE

Major Functions of ILO  Standard Setting - Adoption of Conventions & Recommendations in the ILC;  Assistance in applications of ILS at national level by the countries;  Technical Cooperation – Advisory functions, Action Programs/Projects, Training of Social Partners;  Advocacy for promotion of Decent Work

Freedom of Association ILS : Core Labour Standards Standards concerning fundamental human/social rights Freedom of Association, 1948 Right to Collective Bargaining, 1949 C. 87C. 98 Freedom from Forced Labour Forced Labour, 1930 Abolition of Forced Labour, 1957 C. 29C. 105 Minimum Age for Employment Minimum Age, 1973 Elimination of Worst Forms of Child Labour, 1999 C. 138C. 182 Freedom from Discrimination Equal Remuneration, 1951 Discrimination (Employment and Occupation), 1958 C. 100C. 111

Role of Bureau for Workers' Activities (ACTRAV)

Main role of ACTRAV  Main link between ILO & the Trade Unions;  Develops activities to strengthen TUs & Workers Rights at the international & national levels;  Disseminates policies & programmes of the ILO to trade unions;  Reflects interests of TUs in the programmes & actions of the ILO;  Supports workers’ Group in ILO’s decision making bodies & other activities;

Structure of ACTRAV Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ILO/ACTRAV-Geneva) Asia/Pacific Desk ILO/ACTRAV-Turin (International Training Center of the ILO) Asia/Pacific Field Specialists (RO, SRO and AO) Bangkok, New Delhi, Manila Overall policy/strategy making Liaison with other units Support for Workers’ Group Reflection of workers’ interests Implementation of training programmes Direct contact with unions Implementation of ACTRAV policies and strategies in each country Dissemination of information

Current Issues Before ACTRAV-ILO Major Difficulty in protecting the rights and economic well-being of its members” Free Trade Revolution in IT & Transport Privatization Free Capital Flow Global Competition Flexible Labour Policy Globalization Multi-National Enterprises Attack on unionism Weakening Organizing & Bargaining Power of Unions

Way Forward Way Forward Trade unions must strengthen their organizing and bargaining power. HOW? Challenge 1: Creating an “Enabling Environment” for Trade Union Activities Challenge 2: Building Capacity of Unions in Organizing and Collective Bargaining