Health services, standards and rights at work

The ILO’s principle standards for health care workers concern nurses: the Nursing Personnel Convention (No. 149) and Recommendation (No. 157), both adopted in 1977. These standards refer to the general policy for this sector and nursing personnel participation in this policy; education and training; practice of the nursing profession; career development; remuneration; working time and rest periods; occupational health protection and social security.

The promotional brochure ILO Nursing Personnel Convention No. 149: Recognize their contribution, address their needs gives a brief description. It is also available in French, Spanish and Russian.

In addition to generally applicable labour standards and for public sector health workers, the more general Labour Relations (Public Service) Convention (No. 151) and Recommendation (No. 159), 1978, apply. The Medical Care Recommendation (No. 69), 1944 also applies to the health sector.