Working time

The Lao People’s Democratic Republic ratifies the ILO Night Work Convention

This brings to 13 the total number of countries that ratified the Night Work Convention, 1990 (No. 171) which covers nearly all night workers and grants them special protection

News | 04 June 2014
Today, the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic deposited with the International Labour Office the instrument of ratification of the Night Work Convention, 1990 (No. 171) and at the same time communicated the instrument of denunciation of the Night Work (Women) Convention, 1919 (No. 4). This brings to 13 the total number of countries that ratified this Convention.

In depositing the instrument of ratification, the Vice-Minister of Labour and Social Welfare of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Ms Baykham Khattiya, declared: “Through the denunciation of Convention No. 4 and the ratification of Convention No. 171, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic took an important step to afford a broader protection to night workers who are a vulnerable category of workers. Through the implementation of the provisions of the Convention, all night workers in the country will be able to benefit from the special protective measures provided for by the Convention. The ratification also renews the commitment of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic towards international labour standards and, in general, towards the principles and values of the Organization”.

In receiving the instrument of ratification of Convention No. 171 and the instrument of denunciation of Convention No. 4, the Secretary-General of the International Labour Conference, Mr Guy Ryder, stated: “In all countries, night workers – men and women - are numerous and they carry out some of the most important tasks in our societies. I am therefore delighted to see that the Lao People’s Democratic Republic takes this important step to ratify the most up-to-date Convention on night work. This reflects the commitment of the Government to ensure that all workers in the country who work at night enjoy effective protection as provided for by the Convention. The Office remains available to assist the Government and its social partners to effectively implement the provisions of the Convention.”

Convention No. 171 covers nearly all night workers and grants them special protection. It covers, inter alia, workers’ health, safety, the provision of appropriate social services, specific measures with respect to maternity protection, compensation and opportunities for occupational advancement.