International Labour Organisation (ILO)

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is the tripartite UN agency that brings together governments, employers and workers of its member states in common action to promote decent work throughout the world. India is a founder member of the International Labour Organisation

Structure and working:

The ILO has a tripartite structure unique in the United Nations. The ILO accomplishes its work through three main bodies, all of which comprise government, employer and worker representatives.

1. International Labour Conference:The member States of the ILO meet at the International Labour Conference in June of each year, in Geneva. Two government delegates, an employer delegate and a worker delegate represent each Member State.
2. The Governing Body:The Governing Body is the executive council of the ILO and meets three times a year in Geneva. It takes decisions on ILO policy and establishes the programme and the budget, which it then submits to the Conference for adoption. It also elects the Director-General. The ILO Governing Body is composed of 28 government members, 14 employer members and 14 worker members.
3. The International Labour Office:The International Labour Office is the permanent secretariat of the International Labour Organization. It is the focal point for ILO’s overall activities, which it prepares under the scrutiny of the Governing Body and under the leadership of a Director-General, who is elected for a five-year renewable term. Objectives:

The ILO has four principal strategic objectives:

• To promote and realize standards, and fundamental principles and rights at work.
• To create greater opportunities for women and men to secure decent employment.
• To enhance the coverage and effectiveness of social protection for all.
• To strengthen tripartism and social dialogue.