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International Labor Organization (ILO)

U.S. Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs Sandra Polaski delivers remarks at the June 2011 International Labor Conference in Geneva.

U.S. Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs Sandra Polaski delivers remarks at the June 2011 International Labor Conference in Geneva.

Through its work to foster employment creation, promote fundamental principles and rights at work and improve working conditions and incomes around the world, the ILO helps ensure that workers everywhere enjoy the benefits of globalization. The ILO's tripartite structure is unique among UN specialized agencies, allowing employers and workers to have an equal voice with governments. The United States is represented at meetings of the ILO Governing Body and the annual International Labor Conference by government officials and representatives of the U.S. labor and business communities. The Department of Labor's Bureau of International Labor Affairs plays the lead U.S. government role in representing the United States at the ILO. The Secretary of Labor chairs the tripartite President's Committee on the International Labor Organization (PC/ILO), which was set up to consider all matter relating to United States participation in the ILO.

Upcoming Events

The next (313th) session of the ILO Governing Body will take place March 2012 in Geneva, Switzerland.

The 101st Session of the International Labor Conference will be held in Geneva from May 30 - June 15, 2012

Previous Events

November 3-18, 2011: 312th Session of the ILO Governing Body — Geneva, Switzerland
The Governing body of the International Labor Organization met from November 3 - 18 in Geneva. The Governing Body acknowledged some progress made by the Government of Burma toward ending forced labor, but called upon the Government to live up to its obligation to completely eliminate the practice and prosecute those responsible for using forced labor. The Governing Body deferred a decision on the appointment of a Commission of Inquiry to deal with an Article 26 complaint against Burma regarding its application of Convention 87 (freedom of association) until March 2012.

On the advice of its Officers, the Governing Body also postponed consideration of an Article 26 complaint against Bahrain for non-observance of Convention 111 (employment discrimination) dealing with allegations of widespread dismissals following a series of peaceful demonstrations in the country. The Governing Body noted the Government's establishment of a tripartite committee to address the issue and offered the ILO's legal assistance to any party requesting help. The complaint, along with the possibility of establishing a Commission of Inquiry, will be considered at the 313th session.

June 1-17, 2011: 100th Session of the International Labor Conference (ILC) — Geneva, Switzerland
The 100th Session of the ILC took place June 1-17, 2011 in Geneva, Switzerland. This year's session included committees on Decent Work for Domestic Workers, Social Protection (Social Security) and Labor Administration as well as the standing Committee on the Application of Standards. Expert discussions on a range of subjects also took place during the high-level segment. Noteworthy outcomes of this year's ILC were the adoption of a new ILO Convention on Decent Work for Domestic Workers and agreement in the social security committee that the 2012 ILC should develop a new ILO Recommendation on social protection floors.

Resources

  • ILO Standards: Since its establishment in 1919, the ILO has maintained and developed a system of international labor standards in the form of conventions and recommendations aimed at promoting opportunities for women and men to obtain decent and productive work, in conditions of freedom, equity, security and dignity. Learn more about ILO standards.
  • The 1998 ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and its Follow-up: The Declaration complements the ILO's standards activities by promoting adherence to four principles that are the subject of fundamental conventions: freedom of association and effective recognition of the right to bargain collectively, prohibition of forced labor and child labor and non-discrimination in employment. Learn more about the Declaration.

Questions?

Julie Misner (for questions related to international labor standards)
(202) 693-4856
Misner.Julia@dol.gov

Joan Barrett
(202) 693-4857
Barrett.Joan@dol.gov

Robert Shepard (Office Director)
(202) 693-4808
shepard.robert@dol.gov