News

December 2009

1. ILO warns “early exit” from stimulus measures could prolong jobs crisis

   07 December 2009

   An “early exit” from support measures adopted in response to the global economic crisis could postpone a jobs recovery for years and render the fledgling economic upturn “fragile and incomplete”, a new report by the research arm of the International Labour Organization (ILO) says.

2. ILO to issue report on status of global jobs crisis

   03 December 2009

   The International Institute for Labour Studies of the International Labour Office (ILO) is to launch a new study, entitled “World of Work Report 2009 – The Global Jobs Crisis and beyond” on Monday 7th of December. Published annually by the Institute, the research arm of the ILO, this year’s “World of Work Report” assesses the current state of labour markets worldwide amid the economic crisis and analyses the economic and social implications of phasing out stimulus packages and employment support measures.

3. First African Decent Work Symposium hears calls to invest in employment and sustainable enterprises

   01 December 2009

   The First African Decent Work Symposium “Recovering from the crisis: the implementation of the Global Jobs Pact in Africa” opened in Ouagadougou on 1 December with three heads of state and ministers of labour and finance and representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations from more than 45 African countries.

November 2009

1. ILO Director-General says HIV/AIDS programmes crucial in crisis response

   30 November 2009

   The ILO’s Global Jobs Pact adopted earlier this year to address the global economic and jobs crisis, can play a crucial role in an effective workplace response to the impact of the crisis on people living with HIV/AIDS, ILO Director-General Juan Somavia said in a statement issued for World AIDS Day on 1 December.

2. 

   E.U. Parliament urges member states to ratify ILO Conventions

   27 November 2009

   In a resolution adopted by a large majority on Thursday Nov.26, the European parliament showed its firm commitment in favour of a strong role of the EU in promoting a fair globalization with decent work for all, inside and outside the EU. The ILO welcomes the strong support by the European Parliament for renewed efforts on ratification and implementation of ILO Conventions.

3. 

   ILO Governing Body calls for comprehensive crisis response, long-term sustainable development based on Global Jobs Pact

   20 November 2009

   The Governing Body of the International Labour Office called for an “employment oriented” response to the global economic crisis based on policy measures set out in the ILO’s Global Jobs Pact. “A more balanced economic growth pattern must not lose sight of the need to urgently address large-scale unemployment, underemployment and rising income inequality. These issues deserve the same high level political priority that has been given to the rescue of financial institutions” said Governing Body members.

4. 

   U.S. Garment Buyers Team Up to Support Better Work

   19 November 2009

   The US Council for International Business (USCIB) has announced support for Better Work by five of the biggest U.S. apparel companies--Gap Inc., Levi Strauss & Co., Nike, Walmart and the Walt Disney Company—which will contribute over USD $1 million to Better Work through the USCIB’s foundation.

5. 

   Brazil’s Foreign Minister calls for a job-intensive economic recovery

   17 November 2009

   Brazil’s Foreign Minister Celso Amorim said a new global governance was needed to protect the most vulnerable members of society from the adverse effects of the global economic crisis and called on the International Labour Organization (ILO) to continue to play a leading role in promoting a job-based recovery and a fairer globalization.

6. Marlee Matlin urges that people with disabilities be “counted in” economic recovery efforts

   12 November 2009

   Expressing concern that people with disabilities may face rising exclusion from the world of work due to the global economic crisis, Academy Award winning actress, television star and activist Marlee Matlin urged that they be “counted in” efforts to stimulate and support economic recovery.

7. 

   Academy Award winning actress Marlee Matlin to address ILO panel on people with disabilities and the economic crisis

   09 November 2009

   People with disabilities represent an estimated 10 per cent of the world’s population, or some 650 million people worldwide. They are often excluded and marginalized, and are particularly vulnerable in times of crisis. Academy Award winning actress Marlee Matlin is to address an ILO public panel discussion on the impact of the global economic crisis on women and men with disabilities on Thursday 12 November 2009.