Amber Barth speaks at the Foreign Service Institute

Washington, DC - On July 12, Amber Barth spoke at the United States Department of State Foreign Service Institute Officer Training.

The training offers an overview of labor rights for staff from embassies worldwide and a few Washington-based US government employees. Participants will have had 4 days of training on the five fundamental labor rights and heard from unions, employers, and other U.S. agencies about the importance of labor rights.

Remarks by Amber Barth

Director, ILO Office for the United States and Canada

My name is Amber Barth; I am the Director of the International Labour Organization's Office for the United States and Canada. I have been with the ILO for 18 years.

To begin, you should know that the ILO plays a critical role in defining, advancing, and protecting international labour standards through treaties and our unique supervisory function. During your career in international diplomacy, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the world of tomorrow. I am here today to educate you on the importance of labour standards and to illustrate how the ILO is a global leader in this work.

The work of the ILO closely aligns with the strategic interests of the United States. Let me elaborate on how our efforts support U.S. goals, particularly considering the recent Presidential Memorandum on Advancing Worker Empowerment, Rights, and High Labor Standards Globally – or commonly referred to as the Global Labour Strategy.

First, the ILO promotes economic stability. The rights to decent work and social justice are foundational to economic stability. By fostering fair labour practices, the ILO aids in creating stable and prosperous societies. This in turn supports global economic stability, which is an essential interest of the United States.

Second, our successful efforts to combat child and forced labour. The United States has been a strong advocate for the elimination of child and forced labour. Our shared commitment to eradicating these abuses ensures that global supply chains are free from exploitation, which supports ethical trade and protects human rights.

Third, the ILO's conventions and recommendations provide a framework for the U.S. to achieve its global labour strategy. The ILO offers a framework and mechanism for promoting freedom of association, collective bargaining, and the right to safe and healthy working conditions.

Fourth, the ILO, like the United States, also supports democratic values and promotes human rights by ensuring that workers have a voice in the workplace and can take part in decisions that affect their lives.

Finally, the ILO is actively tackling inequality and stepping up to face the global challenges that the future of work brings, both in developed and developing countries. By collaborating with the United States, we are better suited to create a more fair and sustainable global economy.

As State Department Labor Officers, your collaboration with the ILO will be instrumental in addressing these challenges and advancing labour standards worldwide. By working together with the ILO, you help to promote U.S. strategic interests.

Thank you for your dedication and commitment. I look forward to our continued collaboration in promoting decent work and social justice globally.