About ILO (International Labour Organization)

• Headquarters and Establishment: The International Labour Organization (ILO) is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland
• It was established in 1919 as part of the Treaty of Versailles to promote social justice and improve labor conditions globally.
• Membership: The ILO has 187 member states, including India, which was a founding member. It is the first and only tripartite UN agency, involving representatives from governments, employers, and workers to ensure balanced decision-making.
• Major Conventions: The ILO has adopted 190 conventions, including:
  • Convention No. 87 (1948): Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize.
  • Convention No. 98 (1949): Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining.
  • Convention No. 138 (1973): Minimum Age for Employment.
  • Convention No. 182 (1999): Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labor.
• Major Reports:
  • World Employment and Social Outlook (WESO): Tracks global employment trends.
  • Global Wage Report: Analyzes trends in wages and income inequality.
  • ILO Monitor: Examines the impact of crises, such as COVID-19, on labor markets.
• Significance:
  • The ILO sets international labor standards, promotes decent work, and supports the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. 
• It was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969 for its efforts in promoting peace through social justice.
• Tripartite Structure: 
  • The ILO operates on a tripartite structure, involving representatives from governments, employers, and workers, ensuring a balanced approach in policy-making and labor governance.

Functions of ILO

• Promotion of Social Justice:
  • The ILO works towards achieving social justice by promoting decent work for all.
• Core Labour Standards:
  • The ILO sets core labor standards that include the elimination of forced labor, child labor, and discrimination in employment.
• Impact on Global Labor Policies: 
  • The ILO plays a critical role in shaping global labor policies by producing influential reports, such as the World Employment and Social Outlook.
• Advocacy for Sustainable Employment:
  • The ILO advocates for inclusive and sustainable employment policies, emphasizing decent work opportunities for youth, women, and marginalized groups.