BERN – During a working visit to Bern, ILO Director-General Guy Ryder joined Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), in reaffirming the importance of the ties between Switzerland and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Mr. Schneider-Ammann presented Switzerland’s instrument of ratification of ILO Convention No. 122 on employment policy.

“This convention, which promotes the implementation of economic and social policies aimed at furthering full, productive and freely chosen employment, demonstrates Switzerland’s commitment to employment,” Mr. Schneider-Ammann said. “Switzerland plans to share its positive economic policy, training and labour market experiences with the ILO and its members.”

Mr. Schneider-Ammann and Mr. Ryder signed an agreement intended to strengthen collaboration between Switzerland and the ILO on technical cooperation. The agreement is for 12.4 million Swiss francs, allocated by Switzerland to the ILO’s Better Work programme for 2013-2016.

Switzerland stands by us in the struggle for greater social justice, using an approach that integrates the economy and labour."

“Switzerland has been a very important donor and partner since the programme’s inception in 2008. Not only is Switzerland a major contributor, it also participates in the programme’s governance,” the Director-General said. “Indeed, this is an essential characteristic: Switzerland stands by us in the struggle for greater social justice, using an approach that integrates the economy and labour.”

The bilateral discussions broached the following topics: the employment situation in the world and in Europe, the ILO’s role in the multilateral system, the challenges facing the organization, Switzerland’s priorities at the ILO, the follow-up to complaints brought by Swiss trade unions before the ILO, and the institution’s importance in international Geneva.

The Director-General also met with Swiss parliamentarians.