Comment and analysis

2012

Article

Arab youth aspiring to social justice and decent work

15 May 2012

In 2011, youth unemployment rates in the Arab region have reached a worrying average of more than 27.3 per cent. For young women, the average unemployment rate is even worse...
Article

Why have poverty rates decreased in a larger share of developing than developed countries?

14 May 2012

According to the ILO "World of Work Report 2012", poverty levels have gone down in the majority of developing countries over the past years, but not as much in developed economies.
Article

Can Europe still afford health and long-term care for its elderly?

11 May 2012

Ageing is a slow-burning fuse with a strong impact both on public expenditures and the social mood, as shown by this week’s strike in the UK over pensions. The situation is particularly serious in terms of health and long-term care. Even more alarming is the financial burden on households looking after the elderly. Interview with Ms. Xenia Scheil-Adlung, Health Policy Coordinator at the ILO.
Article

Why do fundamental labour standards matter?

08 May 2012

The ILO is seeking to achieve 100 per cent ratification of its eight Conventions covering fundamental labour standards by 2015. Tim de Meyer, ILO Senior Specialist on International Labour Standards and Labour Law, explains why these instruments are important for a fairer globalization and how they are linked to relieving poverty and improving lives.
Article

"Not an ordinary May 1st", says ILO chief

01 May 2012

Opinion piece delivered for May 1st, 2012 by ILO Director-General Juan Somavia.
Article

Domestic workers – ‘family’ or employees?

27 April 2012

Almost a year ago, in June 2011, a milestone event took place that promised to improve the lives of millions of working people – mostly women - worldwide, including more than a quarter of a million in Hong Kong and potentially as many as 20 million in mainland China. By Amelita King-Dejardin Conditions of Work and Employment Branch, ILO
Article

High unemployment and growing inequality fuel social unrest around the world

27 April 2012

More than half of 106 countries surveyed by the ILO face a growing risk of social unrest and discontent, says the new World of Work Report published by the International Institute for Labour Studies (IILS) – the research arm of the ILO. An interview with IILS Director, Raymond Torres.
Article

“Right policy mix” can lead to fiscal consolidation and job creation

26 April 2012

The International Labour Organization (ILO) says that between 1.8 and 2.1 million jobs could be created over a one-year period in advanced economies if governments adopt a more employment friendly approach to fiscal austerity.
Q&A

Zooming in on the safety and health dimension of greening the economy

23 April 2012

The 2012 World Day for Safety and Health at Work focuses on the promotion of occupational safety and health (OSH) in a green economy. The shift to a green economy is perceived as a way to reconcile the world’s economic and social needs with environmental sustainability. However, even if certain jobs are considered to be “green”, the technologies used may protect the environment but not be safe at all. In this interview, Ms Manuela Tomei, Director of the ILO Labour Protection Department (PROTRAV), looks at the less visible dimension of green jobs and the greening of traditional sectors.
Article

Decent work and social justice: A spiritual perspective

16 April 2012

How do different religious traditions view the world of work and can they play a part in promoting ILO core values? A new publication entitled “Convergences: Decent work and social justice in religious traditions”, explains the positions of various religious traditions regarding social justice and decent work issues. The ILO’s special adviser for socio-religious affairs, Pierre Martinot-Lagarde spoke to ILO Online.