News on International Labour Standards

On course for decent shipping

When the ILO adopted the Maritime Labour Convention in February 2006, Director-General Juan Somavia called it “making labour history”. Following the ratification by Russia and the Philippines, the Convention will come into force in 12 months’ time....

Philippines ratification marks global milestone for decent work for seafarers

The Philippines is the 30th Member to have its ratification registered and join the group of the “first 30” ILO countries to demonstrate their commitment to ensuring decent work for seafarer and a level playing field for quality shipowners.

Labour standards

Milestone ratifications of seafarers’ labour rights charter

The ILO’s Maritime Labour Convention has now been ratified by 30 countries, meaning it will go into effect in a year’s time. The charter sets out the labour rights of the world’s 1.2 million seafarers.

Reform planned for PNG labour laws

Papau New Guinea's labour laws are in for a make over which will now include a new Employment Relations Bill. The new bill will repeal and update the existing laws.

Cyprus ratifies the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006

Cyprus is the 29th ILO Member and the ninth member of the European Union to ratify this landmark Convention.

Kyrgyzstan trade union youth school

The Federation of Trade Unions of Kyrgyzstan in cooperation with the ILO Decent Work Team and Country Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia organized a five-day youth summer school on July 16-20. The summer school brought together some thirty...

Minister Mc Leod to open ILO regional seminar for judges, lawyers and legal educators

Seminar is expected to equip law professionals with the knowledge that will enable them to use international law sources at the national level

Cooperatives: Resilient to crises, key to sustainable growth

In a message marking International Day of Cooperatives, ILO Director-General Juan Somavia salutes the approximately one billion people worldwide who are involved in cooperatives.

International Labour Standards: 8 countries ratify ILO Conventions

International Labour Conference defines plan of action to promote fundamental principles and rights at work

The International Labour Conference 2012 has undertaken a recurrent discussion on fundamental principles and rights at work. As a result, a framework for action for the effective and universal respect, promotion and realization of fundamental...

New ILO Recommendation on social protection floors

The International Labour Conference adopted on 14 June 2012 the Recommendation no. 202 concerning national floors for social protection by a vote of 452 to 0, with 1 abstention. Social protection floors are nationally defined sets of basic social...

One year on, Uruguay is first to ratify ILO domestic work Convention

Uruguay becomes the first to ratify the ILO’s standard-setting Convention on Domestic Workers. The international treaty aims to improve the lives of domestic workers worldwide in the face of huge decent work deficits.

ILO lifts restrictions on Myanmar

The International Labour Organization has lifted its restrictions on the full participation of Myanmar in its activities and decided to review the progress on the elimination of forced labour in the country next year.

Sweden – a leader ratifies the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006

Sweden is the 28th ILO Member and the eighth member of the European Union to ratify this landmark Convention.

Singapore Ratifies the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187)

The Government of Singapore deposited the instrument of ratification for the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187) with the International Labour Office on 11 June 2012. Singapore is the 23rd member State...

Stepping up the fight against child labour

Empowering rural workers, employers and communities through International Labour Standards

Key issues and policy options to protect rural workers' rights, and enable them to contribute to rural development.

Addressing Informality for Rural Development

Key issues and policy options to tackle informality, and release the potential of rural inhabitants and communities.

Handbook: Guidance on implementing the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 and Social Security for Seafarers

This handbook on social security has been prepared by the International Labour Office under the auspices of the ILO’s five year (2006-2011) Action Plan to achieve rapid and widespread and effective implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention,...

Malaysia ratifies key international labour standard on occupational safety and health

The Government of Malaysia deposited with the International Labour Office the instrument of ratification of the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187). Malaysia is the 22nd member State to ratify the...