1. International Training Centre of the ILO
Introduction to ILO and its International Labour Standards System: the Role of Trade Unions
Turin, October 2010
International Training Centre of the ILO

2. International Training Centre of the ILO
International Training Centre of the ILO

3. International Training Centre of the ILO
International Training Centre of the ILO

4. International Training Centre of the ILO
International Training Centre of the ILO

5. International Labour Standards
Conventions
International treaties
When ratified, are legally binding
If not ratified, could represent legal objectives and influence national legislation
188 Conventions
Recommendations
Not open to ratification
Not legally binding
Provide general or technical guidelines on national policy and practice
200 Recommendations
Protocols
International Training Centre of the ILO

6. International Training Centre of the ILO
International Training Centre of the ILO

7. The Double-discussion Procedure
Suggestions from governments,
workers, employers, ILO Office,
UN Agencies, etc.
Role of social partners:
GOVERNING BODY
Participation
OFFICE: I Report
Governments
Consultation
OFFICE: II Report
Governments
Consultation
TRIPARTITE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
First discussion
Participation
OFFICE: III Report
Governments
Consultation
OFFICE: IV Report
Governments
Consultation
TRIPARTITE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Second discussion
Participation
CONFERENCE PLENARY
Adoption
Participation
International Training Centre of the ILO

8. International Training Centre of the ILO
Standard-Setting
First Discussion
Second Discussion
2009
- Strengthening national responses to HIV/Aids in the world of work ( with a view to the adoption of an autonomous Recommendation)
2010
- Decent work for Domestic workers (Standard setting)
2011
International Training Centre of the ILO

9. Ratification of Conventions
Is the formal commitment by a member State to
give effect, both in law and in practice, to the provisions of a Convention and
to accept international supervision

10. ILO supervisory mechanisms
REGULAR SYSTEM OF SUPERVISION
Based on the obligation to report on the application of each ratified Convention
SPECIAL SYSTEMS OF SUPERVISION
Involve cases of specific allegation of violations against a Member State

11. Functions of the ILO supervisory bodies
Supervise the respect of ILO Member States obligations stemming from ILS
In so doing, clarify the meaning and scope of ILS provisions
Through their action, a body of “case law” has been progressively built up

12. The Regular Supervisory Process
Governments send
reports
Social partners may
comment
1st June – 1st September
INTERNATIONAL LABOUR OFFICE
November
&
December
COMMITTEE OF EXPERTS ON THE APPLICATION OF
CONVENTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
examines reports, comments and related information
Direct requests
sent to the government and the social
partners in the country concerned
Observations
published in the CEACR’ Report
February
March
TRIPARTITE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE ON THE APPLICATION STANDARDS
examines the CEACR’ Report and discusses a selection of cases
June
INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONFERENCE
discusses and adopts the Committee’s Report in plenary

14. Consists of 20 persons With eminent qualifications n the legal field
The Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations
Consists of 20 persons
With eminent qualifications n the legal field
Appointed by the Governing Body upon proposal made by the Director-general
Appointed for renewable 3 year term
Independent, impartial and objectives

17. The Conference Committee on the Application of Standards
Consists of well over 150 members
From the three groups of delegates and advisers
Charged with examination of the Committee of Experts’ Report and discussion of selected cases

18. Special systems of supervision
REPRESENTATIONS (ART. 24) AND
COMPLAINTS (ART. 26)
Only when the Convention concerned is ratified
FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION PROCEDURES
Even if the Convention concerned has not been ratified

19. Trade unions are invited to have an active role in:
Elaboration and adoption of ILS
Submission to the competent authorities
Promotion of ratification and implementation
Sending comments on
the application of ratified conventions (article 22)
the effect given to recommendations and non ratified conventions (article 19)
Filing complaints
Following up the comments and recommendations of the supervisory bodies
International Training Centre of the ILO