The ILO
upholds the principles of non-discrimination and equal opportunity and
treatment of workers with disabilities. Yet, across the globe and in the
Asia Pacific region, people with disabilities are less likely to have
access to the very services and resources they need to access decent
work, such as a basic education, skills training, job opportunities,
credit, etc. In addition, they face obstacles such as discrimination and
physical and communication barriers. As a result, people with
disabilities are less prepared for job market entry and are more likely
to be unemployed or underemployed and to face discrimination. Workers
injured on the job may face similar barriers in seeking re-employment.
The trade
union movement, because of its commitment to equity, solidarity, and
social justice is in a unique position to promote equal opportunity and
treatment of disabled workers. Trade unions play a direct role in
preventing discrimination, promoting social protection and workers'
compensation benefits, injury prevention and decent work for all,
including disabled persons.
Recognizing that trade unions have a powerful role to play in
ensuring the rights of disabled persons in the workplace,
ILO Convention concerning Vocational Rehabilitation and
Employment (Disabled Persons), 1983 (No. 159) requires that
governments develop a national policy on vocational
rehabilitation in consultation with employers' and workers'
organizations. The accompanying
Recommendation No. 168 (1983) and
Recommendation No. 99 (1955) offer specific guidance for
workers' organizations in promoting employment opportunities and
equal treatment of workers with disabilities. More recently, the
ILO's Code of Practice on Managing Disability in the Workplace
suggests additional specific
actions that workers' representatives and workers' organizations
can take.
On
these web pages, you will find general principles and specific
examples about how trade unionists and workers' organizations
can promote the equality and integration of disabled persons
within countries, communities, enterprises, and the workers'
organization itself.
The information sheet
Trade Unions and Decent Work for
People with Disabilities contains many examples of what some
trade unions around the world are doing to promote equal rights
and equal opportunities for disabled workers. It also contains
advice on what trade unions can do to start addressing disability
issues.
