By Raymond Korede
The annual meeting of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Member States concluded with significant progress towards regulating biohazards, a comprehensive review of work conditions in the care sector, and a reaffirmation of fundamental principles and rights in the evolving world of work. Delegates at the 112th International Labour Conference (ILC) initiated steps towards establishing the first-ever international standard governing biological hazards in the workplace.
Currently, there is no international regulation focused on biological hazards in the working environment. Consultations will continue at next year’s ILC during the second sitting of the Standard-Setting Committee on Biological Hazards. These discussions could lead to a new Convention and/or Recommendation, marking the first international labour standard adopted since the recognition of a safe and healthy working environment as a Fundamental Principle and Right at Work.
ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo praised the “intense, productive and rich” debates at the ILC, emphasizing the urgent need for action in response to persistent insecurity, inequality, and informality in the world of work.
The ILC also approved a resolution from the General Discussion Committee on Decent Work and the Care Economy. This resolution requests the Director-General to prepare a plan of action on decent work and the care economy, affirming that care work is not a commodity and that all care workers should enjoy decent work. It underscores the critical role of a robust care economy in building crisis resilience and driving social and economic development.
In addition, the conference adopted conclusions from the Recurrent Discussion Committee on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW), which emphasize the ongoing relevance of these principles in the face of rapid changes in the world of work. The conclusions provide guidance on strengthening labour market governance, promoting freedom of association and social dialogue, formalizing sustainable enterprises, and ensuring equality and inclusion.
The ILC further addressed the application of ILO Conventions in various countries through the Committee on the Application of Standards (CAS), including a special sitting on Belarus. The CAS also reviewed the Committee of Experts’ General Survey on Labour Administration, highlighting the crucial role of effective labour administrations in achieving decent work.
A Special Sitting focused on the situation of workers in the occupied Arab territories, with the Director-General describing the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic” and emphasizing the need for a job-rich recovery. Donor countries committed approximately US$10 million to support the ILO assistance programme for the occupied Palestinian territory.
The Inaugural Forum of the Global Coalition for Social Justice also took place during the ILC, with high-level discussions on building societal resilience, enhancing economic and social policy coherence, and fostering social dialogue for shared prosperity. The Coalition, launched in 2023, now includes over 290 members committed to promoting social justice.
The 112th ILC was held in Geneva from June 3-14, 2024, attended by over 4,900 delegates from governments, and employers’ and workers’ organizations. The 113th ILC will be held in June 2025.
