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As the 317th session of the ILO Governing Body has just finished, what do you think are the main outcomes for employers and business?
This was a long session, which had many important programme and finance, policy and political issues. Nevertheless I think one of the main outcomes for employers was the support of the GB for the 2014/15 Programme and Budget. Employers had stressed that the ILO needs to change to be more responsive to the needs of its constituents. Although the Group I think would still like to see the Organisation focus more on the measures necessary to create an enabling environment for job creation, as enterprises create jobs, it on the whole welcomed the proposals and especially the 8 areas of critical importance outlined for more impact and visibility. Today, a severe crisis is affecting most economies. We all agree that the priority is to get people back to work, and if enterprises provide 9 out of 10 jobs in the world, the solution to unemployment and poverty will come through a better understanding of the constraints that prevent enterprises from growing and creating jobs. That is why the group also welcomed the DG’s commitment to associate business more closely in the work of the ILO. To do this, the ILO will need to show it is ready to listen to the real needs of business.
Looking forward we are happy that we have an agreement that the 2014 Conference will consider the adoption of a Recommendation on informal employment given that this is a major and growing problem in all economies, but particularly the developing world. Also, despite differing positions there is a recognition of the need to review the standards supervisory system.
This session of the GB took place in the context of a reform of the Organisation, initiated by the Director-General, Guy Ryder. What does the Employers’ Group expect from this reform?
Well, I think the Groups starts from the premise that it expects the reform to deliver an ILO which is closer to its constituents and the world of work: an organisation which is a centre of excellence on issues affecting the world of work as well as offering policy solutions to tackle the future challenges. This means quality and fact based research and knowledge where the Office is open to outside knowledge and ideas. The first signs of the reform are encouraging and we hope it will lead to a more focused and credible Organisation.
We are also placing a high premium on achieving some progress on achieving reform of the International Labour Conference in order for it to reflect modern working methods and attract constituents to play a key role in their Organisation.
The 9th ILO European Regional Meeting is to be held soon. In particular it will be looking at the crisis in Europe. What main messages will the employers be bringing to this meeting?
The Employers have constructively provided input to the drafting of the report of the ILO Director-General on “Jobs, growth and social justice” on various occasions throughout the last year. During this process the Group stressed that it is enterprises which create jobs and that the focus of the Office should be to put job creation first by supporting constituents to improve the environment for business to grow and employ people.
For the Employers’ Group it is key that the 9th European Regional Meeting in Oslo supports the reform efforts of states through constructive discussions on approaches that facilitate transition into the labour market, as well as between jobs; policies that foster job creation; measures that specifically address youth unemployment, as well as policies to meet the demographic challenge.
There is an urgent need to overcome ideological approaches to austerity and non-traditional forms of work. We have to focus on the best ways to achieve job recovery in the region. On this basis, the Employers` Group is committed to make the meeting a success with outcomes which are truly relevant for governments, employers and workers.
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