Working Papers, vehicles for disseminating information on a range of topics related to the world of work and the evolution of social and labour policies and practices for a given sector, are regularly published and widely disseminated. Background reports and issues papers, which provide more in-depth analysis on specific issues, are also published for discussion at international tripartite meetings and global dialogue fora.

Publications

The Sectoral Policies Department is the ILO’s repository of knowledge on sector-specific labour and social issues. Research and studies conducted, in line with the ILO’s research policies, deal with emerging and priority issues of strong interest for ILO’s sectoral constituents.

2021

  1. © ILO 2022

    Briefing note

    COVID-19 and the port sector

    05 July 2021

    Ports provide key infrastructure in support of international trade and the global economy. They vary in size from wharves handling at most a few hundred tonnes of cargo a year to large international ports or multi-modal hubs combining a broad range of logistical services, from warehousing to total supply chain management. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ports have had to adjust to the reality of lower volumes, worker shortages, the implementation of occupational health and safety measures for dockers and shore personnel, and the adoption of teleworking and remote operations for office workers. In some countries, calls by cruise ships have come to a halt. This policy brief summarizes the issues relating to COVID-19 and decent work challenges in the port sector.

2020

  1. © MTWTU 2022

    Briefing note

    COVID-19 and maritime shipping & fishing

    15 May 2020

    Shipping carries most world trade, and fishing provides essential food. The pandemic impacts the safety and well-being of seafarers and fishers, their ability to join their vessels and return home, and the future of their jobs. Seafarers on cruise ships, which have often barred from entering port, are particularly hard hit. The ILO is working to protect these key maritime workers as the world seeks to protect public health.

2018

  1. Publication

    The flexibility clauses of the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188)

    26 February 2018

    This sectoral working paper discusses the various types of flexibility clauses found in the Work in Fishing convention, 2007 (No. 188), with a view to assisting those considering making use of these clauses when ratifying and implementing the Convention. Working papers are preliminary documents circulated to stimulate discussion and obtain comments.

2017

  1. Publication

    Decent work for migrant fishers

    15 August 2017

    Report for discussion at the Tripartite Meeting on Issues Relating to Migrant Fishers (Geneva, 18–22 September 2017)

2013

  1. Publication

    Living and working conditions in inland navigation in Europe

    20 December 2013

    This study explores various aspects of the inland navigation in the European region, addressing all the essential aspects in relation to the working and living conditions of the crews, including relevant laws and regulations, occupational safety and health, social security and enforcement, etc.

  2. Publication

    Promoting the employment of women in the transport sector - obstacles and policy options

    20 December 2013

    This study focuses on the working conditions and the HR policies of transport companies designed to mainstream gender, the opportunities for success and advancement, and the barriers faced by women who work in the transport sector.

  3. Publication

    The Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188): Getting on board

    20 March 2013

    Issues paper for discussion at the Global Dialogue Forum for the Promotion of the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188)

2011

  1. Publication

    Guideline to undertake a comparative analysis of the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188) and national laws, regulations or other measures

    01 May 2011

  2. Publication

    Work in Fishing Convention and Recommendation, 2007: Action Plan 2011–2016

    01 January 2011

2010

  1. Publication

    Handbook for improving living conditions on board fishing vessels

    01 September 2010