Construction, standards and rights at work

Key international labour standards important to the Construction industry include:

• Labour Clauses (Public Contracts) Convention, 1949 (No. 94)
  
• Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162)
  
• Safety and Health in Construction Convention, 1988 (No. 167)
  

The industry and standards of work

The diversified nature of the sector and recent trends are summarized in an ILO Issues and policy brief: The Construction industry and standards of work (pdf, 18k).

ILO responses

Key issues facing the industry were discussed at the tripartite meeting of the construction sector which took place in Geneva in December 2001. The report prepared for the meeting documents the changes that have taken place in employment practices and the implications.

The 'employment relationship' was also the subject of discussion at the 91st International Labour Conference in June 2003, The scope of the employment relationship (International Labour Conference, 91st Session, 2003). Many examples from the construction industry can be found in the Report prepared by the Office. The background papers from individual countries can also be viewed at the Social Dialogue, Labour Law and Labour Administration Website.

Gender issues

Although construction is largely a male bastion, women play an important and growing role in some regions. An ILO ILO Issues and Policy brief: Gender and construction in South Asia (pdf, 22kb) looks at trends in South Asia.

Useful links/resources

• Self Employed Women's Association (India)
  
• Regional Women in Construction Project, Practical Action Southern Africa (Southern African countries)
  
• Contractor City: Resources for Women in Construction (USA)
  
• National Association of Women in Construction (USA)
  
• Women in Construction Company LLC (USA)