ILO IN HISTORY The ILO and seafarers – a long and fruitful voyage World of Work magazine is published four times per year by the Department of Communication of the ILO in Gen- “None will deny that the hardship in 1920, when the first Maritime Session in eva. Also published in Chinese, Czech, endured and the heroism shown by the sea- Genoa adopted three Conventions and four Danish, Finnish, French, German, men in the danger zones of the oceans and Recommendations, governing minimum Hindi, Hungarian, Japanese, Norwegian, Russian, Slovak, Spanish and Swedish. the seas entitle them in a special degree to the age of , unemployment insur- undying gratitude of this and succeeding ance, hours worked, and the establishment EDITOR generations.” of national seamen’s codes. Thomas Netter So said acting ILO Director E.J. Phelan at The 1946 International Labour Confer- GERMAN EDITION th Hans von Rohland the 28 (Maritime) Session of the Interna- ence in Seattle – where E.J. Phelan made his ARABIC EDITION tional Labour Conference in 1946 to tribute to seafarers’ war-time heroics – pro- Khawla Mattar, ILO Office, Beirut underscore the special commitment by the vided another landmark, adopting nine SPANISH EDITION ILO to fight for seafarers’ rights at work. new Conventions on social security, pen- In collaboration with the ILO Office, Madrid But the work didn’t start, or finish, there. sions, pay, accommodation, hours of work PRODUCTION MANAGER With the adoption this past June of a fast- and catering, as well as allowing States wary Kiran Mehra-Kerpelman tracked new Convention on Seafarers’ of legislation to ratify Conventions by PHOTO EDITOR Identity Documents – the 40th maritime applying standards through collective Marcel Crozet ART DIRECTION Convention, a recent ILO study on women agreement for the first time. MDP, ILO Turin seafarers and a new consolidated Conven- The significance of this reached far COVER DESIGN tion for seafarers1 set for adoption in 2005, beyond the lives and livelihoods of mar- MDP, ILO Turin the history of the ILO’s pioneering work on itime workers. The ILO expanded its role EDITORIAL ASSISTANT international maritime standards remains a vis-a-vis other industries, facilitating the Sam Nuttall story worth telling. fuller application of international stan- This magazine is not an official document Before 1919, the cruel wind and weather dards on working conditions. As George R. of the International Labour Organiz- of the sea weren’t the only challenges facing Strauss, the UK Government delegate to ation. The opinions expressed do not seafarers. They suffered low wages, long the 1946 Conference put it, this exemplified necessarily reflect the views of the ILO. The designations employed do not imply hours and uncertain voyages in leaky, ill- “the ability of so many men with such dif- the expression of any opinion whatsoever maintained ships. With the end of the first ferent outlooks to come to agreement on on the part of the ILO concerning the world war, a greater understanding of their problems which are so widely contentious.” legal status of any country, area or territo- trials and dangers began to emerge. And The early consensus building that benefited ry, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers. when the Peace Conference in Versailles mariners thus set the standard that for Reference to names of firms and com- decided to establish a new International more than 50 years has governed the ILO’s mercial products and processes does Labour Organization, a consensus emerged work, not only for those who work on the not imply their endorsement by the that the working conditions of seafarers sea, but for workers the world over. ILO, and any failure to mention a par- ticular firm, commercial product or required urgent improvement. process is not a sign of disapproval. Although the seamen’s organizations 1 Women seafarers: Global employment policies Texts and photographs may be freely called for a separate office for maritime and practices, Geneva, International Labour reproduced with mention of source labour, the Labour Commission of the Office, 2003. ISBN 92-2-113491-1 (except photo agency photographs). Written notification is appreciated. Peace Conference decided All correspondence should be addressed that, “the very special ques- to the ILO Department of Communica- tions concerning the mini- tion, CH-1211 Geneva 22, Switzerland. mum conditions to be Tel: +4122/799-7912 accorded to seamen might be Fax: +4122/799-8577 www.ilo.org/communication dealt with at a special meeting of the International Labour Readers in the US should send their Conference.” This bore correspondence to the International Labor Office, Washington Branch, 1828 L Street, NW, Suite 801, Washington, One of the many entertainments DC 20036. provided for delegates to the 1946 Tel: +202/653-7652 ILO Maritime Conference in Fax: +202/653-7687 Seattle Printed by ILO Turin © ILO ISSN 1020-0010

2 WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 Poverty and Work

In much of the world, poverty is getting worse. In Working out of Poverty,Director - General Juan Somavia makes clear that work is a solution to growing poverty, and renews his pledge to help bring a “decent work divi- dend” to all parts of the globe. In this issue, World of Work looks at poverty, and ways of bringing sustainable growth and better lives to the poor of the world. Page 4

© ILO

COVER STORY FEATURES Working out of poverty: Making jobs the objective 4 Planet Work 24

GENERAL ARTICLES News 28 • Youth employment: Charting a “road map” for ILC91: Annual ILO Conference tackles new social 8 national action agenda • Pensions in crisis: As the EU expands, so do pension Application of standards: Committee considers 11 concerns Belarus, Colombia, , other developments • Narrowing the gender unemployment gap in • New HIV/AIDS initiative: Growing solidarity in the New ILO study highlights labour trends world- 12 world of work wide: US productivity up, Europe improves ability to create jobs • Trafficking in women: New ILO publication aims to expand awareness In , a big “STEP” toward better healthcare 16 • 287th Governing Body elects new officers Committee on Freedom of Association report ILO Recommendation 193 one year after: 18 The revival of the idea Around the Continents 35 Interview: 21 For millions of migrants, a new Convention ILO in the Press 40

Media Shelf 42

Created in 1919, the International Labour Organization (ILO) brings together governments, employers and workers of its 177 member States in common action to improve social protection and conditions of life and work throughout the world. The International Labour Office, in Geneva, is the permanent Secretariat of the Organization.

WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 3 COVER STORY

THE DECENT WORK DIVIDEND Working out of poverty: Making jobs the objective

ork is the best route out of “We know that work is the best route out of poverty,” ILO Director-General poverty,” he said. “But we cannot legislate Juan Somavia told this June’s employment in and poverty out. It is a long and W International Labour Conference. complex process requiring all elements of He renewed the ILO pledge to bring decent work to work together. We must harness the unique to all parts of the globe power of governments, employers and workers – the global community of work represented by the GENEVA – Nearly 3 billion people in this ILO’s constituents – to a concerted global drive world live on less than two US dollars a day. In against poverty.” fact, about a billion of those – or some 23 per And around the world, gender inequality cent of the developing world’s population – have intersects with economic deprivation to produce to make do with one dollar a day or even less. more intensified forms of poverty, on average, for In many parts of our planet, poverty is getting women than men. worse: “After all, the poor don’t cause poverty,” Mr. • In sub-Saharan Africa during the 1990s, the Somavia pointed out.“Poverty results from struc- number of people living in poverty rose by 25 tural failures and ineffective, outdated economic per cent, to nearly 500 million. and social systems. Poverty grows from inade- • During the same period, those in poverty in quate political responses, bankrupt policies and Latin America and the Caribbean increased from insufficient international support. And its con- 121 million to 132 million, with a quarter of the tinued acceptance expresses a loss of fundamen- population still subsisting on two dollars a day tal human values, of international will.” or less. The solution is to aim for what he calls a • In the Middle East and North Africa, the number “decent work dividend”. This will stimulate bal- of people living at or below that line rose from anced and more sustainable growth for countries, 50 million to nearly 70 million, while in Eastern and better lives for people. Europe and Central , it increased threefold “This decent work dividend involves providing to 97 million. more stable incomes and productive employ- • More positively, in and other East Asian ment,” he said. “The ILO is doing this with pro- countries during the 1990s, the number of people grammes designed to create jobs, ensure basic on very low incomes decreased from 1.1 billion to rights and social protection at work, end discrimi- about 900 million. nation and fight child labour. These also aim to • In South Asia, the number of people living in provide access to , skills devel- * Working out of Poverty, poverty remains more or less stable at about 1.1 opment and training, healthier and safer work Report of the Director- billion, although population growth now makes environments and more entrepreneurial oppor- General, International this a smaller share of the population. tunities for small businesses. Labour Conference, Despite some encouraging signs, the overall “This isn’t a dividend just for the poor,” the 91st session, International trend is gloomy. And there are other, very worry- Director-General insisted. “It benefits govern- Labour Office, Geneva, 2003. ing indications that things could get worse (see ments and employers as well.” ISBN 92-2-112870-9. inset, Pointers to Poverty). Poverty reduction would certainly be to the Price: 20 Swiss francs. The problems, and the best ways of tackling wider economic good. As the report points out, Also online at them, are described by ILO Director-General “Increasingly intense competition for restricted http://www.ilo.org/public/ Juan Somavia in Working out of Poverty, his markets threatens to create ever more frequent english/standards/relm/ilc/ keynote report to this June’s session of the Inter- cycles of boom and bust that reward predatory or ilc91/pdf/rep-i-a.pdf national Labour Conference.* speculative behaviour rather than productive

4 WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 © ILO/Maillard investment. A successful drive to raise the consum- ers in the conference discussion (for some of their ing power of the majority of the world’s popula- comments, see inset, What They Said...). Replying, tion, particularly those on the lowest incomes, is Mr. Somavia said that the next step would be to fundamental to the broadening and deepening of “mobilize the worldwide network of tripartism.” markets.” He would ask the ILO regional and area offices to Similarly, political and social stability is “hard “use the Report and the rich content of the Con- to envision if a large proportion of the world’s ference debate to stimulate national discussion population is not only currently excluded from within employers’ and workers’ organizations, the increasingly visible benefits of economic inte- and government circles. We often hear that we are gration but also sees little or no opportunity of living in a knowledge economy and a network ever participating in a system that appears dis- society. I cannot conceive of any group of organ- criminatory and unfair. Increased expenditure on izations and institutions that know more about preserving law and order nationally and inter- the real workings of the global economy than our nationally, without investing in tackling the constituents. Labour ministries, employers and roots of the tensions caused by social injustice, unions are dealing with the social realities in is not an adequate response to growing security enterprises and workplaces on a daily basis.” concerns.” In particular, Mr. Somavia identified four “The ILO is committed to helping people work “tools” for poverty eradication (see inset, Pointers out of poverty,” the report emphasizes. First and to Progress). foremost, this means “removing the barriers of dis- “The poor need a decisive commitment from us crimination and accumulated deprivation that trap if they are to find a dignified way to work out of people in low-productivity and low-paid jobs”. poverty,” he insisted. “We cannot let them down.” Strong support for this approach came from the 291 employer, worker and government speak- >>

WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 5 COVER STORY

THE DECENT WORK DIVIDEND

>> POINTERS TO POVERTY the figure reaching 84 per cent in sub-Saharan Africa. • Official unemployment – currently some 180 mil- • The “income gap” between the wealthiest and lion worldwide and growing – is at its highest ever. poorest fifths of the world’s population is still But, in fact, over a billion people work without growing. In 1960, it was 30 to 1. By 1999, it had fully utilizing their creativity or maximizing their widened to 74 to 1. Even in the 20 most indus- productive potential. trialized countries, over 10 per cent of the popu- • The world’s labour force is growing by about 50 lation live below a poverty line of less than 50 per million people a yea and 97 per cent of this cent of median income. increase is in developing countries. • The links between a vicious cycle of poverty and sex discrimination against the girl child start at the POINTERS TO PROGRESS earliest stages of life within families. Throughout life – from birth to old age – sex discrimination ILO Director-General Juan Somavia singled out contributes to both the feminization of poverty four “tools” for poverty eradication: and the perpetuation of poverty from one genera- tion to the next. Working for gender equality is • Creating jobs: “Poverty elimination is impossible part and parcel of measures to eradicate poverty. unless the economy generates opportunities for • Over the next ten years, more than one billion investment, entrepreneurship, job creation and young people will reach working age. In most sustainable livelihoods.” developing countries, they face the choice of infor- • Guaranteed rights at work: “People in poverty mal work or no work. This spells greater poverty need a voice to obtain recognition of rights and to ahead. In Latin America, for instance, income demand respect. They need representation and earned by people aged 20 to 24 is just half that participation. They also need good laws that are earned by adults. enforced and work for, not against, their interest. • Over 115 million school-age children, mainly in Without rights and empowerment, the poor will low-income countries, were not in school during not get out of poverty.” 1999. One in six children between the ages of 5 • Basic social protection: “Poor people are unpro- and 14 (211 million) was doing some form of tected people. The earning power of those living in work in the year 2000. Of these, 186 million were poverty is suppressed by marginalization and lack in types of child labour which the ILO is commit- of support systems.” ted to abolishing. • Promoting dialogue and conflict resolution: • Two-thirds of the developing world’s female work- “People in poverty understand the need to negoti- force outside of are in the informal ate and know dialogue is the way to solve prob- economy, mostly doing the lowest-paid work, with lems peacefully.” © ILO

6 WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 WHAT THEY SAID...

“Productivity is a challenge, because the majority “Markets cannot operate effectively without property of our population is poor, destitute, with no work... rights and contract law. Nor can labour markets with- Poverty, destitution and unemployment are closely out establishing the rights and responsibilities of the related. Lack of skills and access to resources like parties in the employment relationship, essential to pro- land and credit worsen the situation. Therefore, tection of working people and to secure employment.” employment is the only channel and exit out of – Lord Brett, Chair of the ILO Governing Body. poverty for this group, especially women and young people.” “An important issue that this Conference will have Zoé Bakoko Bakoru – Ms. Zoé Bakoko Bakoru, Minister of Gender, to address is improved access to for small Labour and Social Development, Uganda. and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which is a key to their growth. SMEs make up the largest por- “The role of the social partners, both here in the tion of the employment base in many developing ILO and at the national level, is a key advantage countries and are indeed the foundation of the pri- that the ILO can bring to bear in all of its work. vate sector.” Governments need to recognize that the chal- – Mr. Ashraf W. Tabani, Employers’ delegate, . lenges of policy coherence are best met through social dialogue.” “Work is the best means of escaping poverty, and in – Mr. Daniel Funes de Rioja, Executive Vice-Presi- this task governments, workers and employers must Daniel Funes de Rioja dent, International Organization of Employers. participate to bring about a tripartite commitment which will help overcome poverty worldwide.” “The ILO cannot successfully fight poverty on its – Mr. Ricardo Solari Saavedra, Minister of Labour own. But it can bring to the collective effort its and Social Welfare, Chile. unique values, structures and standards. The ‘Decent Work Agenda’ does this and is recognition “Where free and democratic trade unions are that what the ILO does must spring from what it is, allowed to exist, it will result in a fairer and more namely tripartite and value-driven in the cause of socially just distribution of income and wealth, which social justice.” will contribute to the reduction of poverty.” – Mr. Guy Ryder, General Secretary, International – Mr. Ulf Edström, Workers’ delegate, Sweden Guy Ryder Confederation of Free Trade Unions. “Poverty, together with the lack of economic growth “The terrible toll that poverty is taking in the mod- and jobs, is one of the root causes of global terror- ern world is starkly revealed in the Report... We ism... Implementing and enforcing labour standards support the Director-General’s vision of practical, goes hand-in-hand with creating an enabling invest- local and national agendas of activity to eradicate ment environment, which contributes to poverty poverty.” reduction. As both the ILO and OECD research have – Ms. Margaret Wilson, Minister of Labour, New found, there is no race to the bottom.” Zealand. – Mr. Edward E. Potter, Employers’ delegate, USA.

Margaret Wilson

Edward E. Potter Ulf Edström Ricardo Solari Saavedra Ashraf W. Tabani Lord Brett

WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 7 GENERAL ARTICLES

SOCIAL AGENDA STANDARDS LABOUR MARKET NEPAL R 193 ILC91 Annual ILO Confe tackles new social agen

© ILO/Crozet

The new ILO Convention on Seafarers’ Identity Documents replaces Convention No. 108, adopted in 1958. It establishes a more rigorous identity system for seafarers. A major feature of the new ID, on which full agreement was reached, will be a biomet- ric template based on a fingerprint. A resolution accompanying the Convention requests the ILO Director-General to take urgent measures to develop “a global interoperable standard for the biometric, particularly in cooperation with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)”.Ratifying states will also be required to maintain a proper database, available for international consultation by authorized officials, with due safeguards for individual rights. The Convention provides for the facilitation of shore leave, and transit and transfer of seafarers, including the exemption from holding a visa for sea- farers taking shore leave. Other major issues tackled by the tripartite meet- ing of government, worker and employer representa- tives from the ILO’s 177 member States included: ighting poverty, providing seafarers with • A new global strategy for promoting “coherent new identity documents, and a variety of and focused” worldwide action to reduce occu- measures aimed at improving the world of pational injuries and illnesses. Two million peo- F work were among the highlights of the ple die every year of work-related causes, 354,000 91st International Labour Conference in June. of them due to fatal accidents, according to ILO Delegates held an impassioned debate over work- estimates. Some 80 per cent of these work-related ing conditions, and adopted radical new measures fatalities are suffered by men, who – with the designed to improve workplace security and safety exception of agriculture – make up the majority of workers in the world’s most hazardous sectors and GENEVA – In addition to the key theme of work- occupations. The majority of women agricultural ing out of poverty, the 91st International Labour Con- workers – one of the most hazardous sectors – are ference, held in Geneva this June, also adopted new in developing countries. These women are often international standards for seafarers’ identity docu- assigned the most hazardous tasks, such as apply- ments to improve security while guaranteeing the ing harmful pesticides. In addition, 270 million right of movement of seafarers, as well as world trade. occupational accidents and 160 million occupa- A new international standard for seafarers’ identi- tional diseases hit workers every year. A new glob- fication aims both to boost international security and al strategy was recommended, based on two pil- to ensure that the world’s 1.2 million seafarers have lars: the freedom of movement needed for their well- > A “preventative safety and health culture”, entail- being and their professional activities. The measure is ing the agreement of the ILO social partners to a also seen as maintaining international commerce, a system of defined rights, responsibilities and huge proportion of which moves by sea . duties – with prevention as the highest priority.

8 WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 MIGRANTS

WE CAN END POVERTY – IF WE WANT TO

he resources exist within the world rence T economy and society to achieve the objective of the eradication of pover- ty, globally.” That is what ’s President Thabo Mbeki told the Interna- tional Labour Conference. And he asked nda why it is not being done. Citing the ’s internal resource transfers “to ensure the even > An integrated ILO occupational safety and and balanced development of all com- health “tool box”. This should include a pro- munities within the Union”, he argued for motional instrument designed to put safety and similar measures at the world level.

health higher on the agenda of member States, There are, he said, “certain challenges © ILO/Crozet and a structured use of technical assistance and of poverty and underdevelopment that cooperation, focused on the establishment and can only be addressed through a con- and are part of, the war on poverty,” Pres- implementation of national programmes by scious process of resource transfers from ident Mbeki stressed. He welcomed hav- governments in close cooperation with employ- the rich to the poor, globally”. ing the ILO “as comrades-in-arms in the ers and workers. “The International Labour Conference struggle to eradicate poverty in our coun- • The ILO was asked to prepare a Recommenda- and the ILO occupy an important place try, in the rest of Africa and throughout tion on the employment relationship. This among the global forces that have to join, the world”. would focus on “disguised” employment relation- ships (i.e., workers who are in fact employees but their status is disguised or hidden. ILO data show mendation No. 150, dating from 1975. The con- that the concentration of women in such unpro- ference committee on this issue recognized tected situations can be high). The recommenda- human resources development as a key compo- tion would also focus on the need for mechanisms nent of the response needed to facilitate lifelong to ensure that persons with an employment rela- learning and employability. It called for the tionship have access to the protection they are due involvement of the social partners and a renewed at the national level. At the same time, the future commitment by governments, the private sector Recommendation “should not interfere with gen- and individuals, to , training and life- uine commercial and independent contracting long learning. arrangements”. • A programme and budget for 2004-2005, worth • The situation of workers in the occupied Arab over US$529.6 million, was adopted. >> territories was discussed in a special plenary session, during which speakers stressed the need for furthering ILO technical cooperation assis- WORLD DAY AGAINST CHILD LABOUR tance to stimulate employment, combat poverty, and strengthen capacities of the social partners he world must “join hands” to fight and the Ministry of Labour of the Palestinian T against child trafficking, a billion- Authority. They also expressed the hope that the dollar industry which virtually enslaves mil- so-called “road map” peace proposal would give lions of children. That was the message an impetus to political efforts aimed at bringing from Queen Rania of the Hashemite King- about peace in the region. The debate also high- dom of Jordan when she addressed the lighted the role of the ILO in promoting a dia- International Labour Conference on 12 logue which will help in building confidence June, the World Day Against Child Labour. © ILO/Crozet among all the parties in the region. Many speakers “First and foremost, the business of human confirmed their support of the ILO initiative in trafficking is fuelled by human poverty,” Queen Rania pointed out – but the trafficked chil- creating “The Palestinian Fund for Employment dren are sent to “every corner of the globe”. Governments must “prevent, protect and and Social Protection”. prosecute”, she urged. Child trafficking is “an assault on human dignity and an affront to • Human resources development was the subject our common values”, said ILO Director-General Juan Somavia. The ILO estimates that 1.2 of a first discussion on a new international labour million children fall victim to traffickers every year. standard. This is expected to replace ILO Recom-

WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 9 GENERAL ARTICLES

SOCIAL AGENDA

>>

WAR ON WANT IS WAR AGAINST VIOLENCE • A Global Campaign on Social Security DEEDS, NOT WORDS and Coverage for All was launched to build a broad partnership involving gov- ernments, employers, labour, internation- ndustrialized countries are failing to rec- al organizations, donor countries, social I oncile “words and deeds”, ’s Presi- security institutions and civil society dent Luíz Inácio da Silva (“Lula”) told the ILO organizations. The campaign will seek on the eve of the International Labour Confer- their support for efforts to help countries ence. Long known as a resolute trade union develop and expand social security sys- campaigner, the new Brazilian President tems through experimentation and chose the ILO for his first speech to a UN social dialogue. It will also intensify body. efforts already underway in 40 countries He warned of a growing worldwide to extend social security. (See article on “deficit” as regards “solidarity and economic page 16 on micro-insurance in Nepal.) cooperation, protection of the environment, A special campaign is now online at promotion of justice and peace building”.

© ILO/Crozet www.ilo.org/coverage4all A renewal of the international system is • The ILO global report Time for Equality needed, he said, including “reform of the he “war on want” must be won in order at Work was discussed in depth under the [UN] Security Council”, and “more powers to T to “heal the divisions and despair that follow-up to the Declaration on Funda- the Economic and Social Council of the Unit- feed global violence,” King Abdullah II of Jor- mental Principles and Rights at Work. ed Nations (ECOSOC)”. dan told the International Labour Conference. Despite decades of effort, women, different “All of us must help to preserve and A new global partnership would require races and ethnic minorities are still far improve multilateralism, independently of our “hard choices”, he said, including “improved from enjoying equality of opportunity and economic, financial or military power,” he market access, the removal of trade barriers treatment. Many delegates noted that dis- added. “For this to happen, we have to and predictable trade policies”. Developed crimination is a major cause of poverty, reduce the enormous gap between interna- countries “must increase the level of direct and that new forms of discrimination are tional treaties and their effective implemen- assistance, encourage foreign direct invest- emerging, based on age, sexual orientation, tation.” ment and technology transfer, and reduce the HIV/AIDS status and disability. They high- During his visit, the Brazilian President and debt burden”. Developing countries “must lighted the need for legal underpinning in ILO Director-General Juan Somavia signed commit to sound economic policies, coupled the fight against discrimination. The an understanding on a cooperation pro- with the right safety nets, good governance importance of workplace equality to com- gramme between Brazil and the ILO to pro- and the rule of law”. munities, business and other sectors was mote a “decent work” agenda. This is to Declaring “work and working people are at emphasized. include employment generation, microcredit, the heart of global prosperity”, King Abdullah youth jobs, improved social security systems, called for “sustainable socioeconomic devel- tripartism and social dialogue, in addition to opment, development that enables all people A PATRIOT AND A GENTLEMAN the fight against child labour, the sexual to live in dignity. Such development is an exploitation of children, forced labour and important tool in the battle against extremism Michael Christopher Wamalwa, Vice- workplace discrimination. President of Kenya since 2002 and Pres- – as is a just resolution of the Arab-Israeli ident of the 91st International Labour conflict and the question of Palestine.” There Conference in June of this year, died is an “urgent need to rebuild and stabilize the aged 58 on August 23 in London. Middle East region”, which is currently at “a Described as a “patriot and a gentle- man” by Kenyan President Kibaki, Mr critical crossroads”, he insisted. “Now is the Wamalwa was praised by ILO Director time to work together, to put our full force General Juan Somavia for his “great behind the process that will lead to the hand- stewardship” at the Conference. The over of to a credible Iraqi government, Vice-President had enjoyed a varied representing all Iraqis.” and distinguished academic and work- ing life, studying international law at the London School of Economics and crimi- nology at Cambridge. He is the author of several publications on international © ILO/Crozet law.

10 WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 STANDARDS Application of standards: Committee considers Belarus, Colombia, Myanmar, other developments

s part of ILO efforts to end the use of In its report, the Committee also expressed forced labour in Myanmar, the ILO special concern over the situation in Cameroon, Committee on the Application of Stan- Libya, Mauritania and Zimbabwe. The Committee A dards had a special sitting following up urged the government of Libya “to adopt specific on measures taken in the context of Article 33 of and concrete measures” with a view to achieving the ILO Constitution. The Committee also dis- full conformity of the legislation with the ILO cussed the events which have taken place since its Equality of Treatment (Social Security) Conven- December 2002 session, including the appoint- tion, 1962 (No. 118), ensuring “full observance of ment of a facilitator for complaints of forced the principles of equality of treatment in the area of labour, and a recent agreement on a plan of action social security”. to eradicate forced labour As regards the application by Mauritania of the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29), the Opening the debate at the Plenary session of the Committee expressed “deep concern at the persist- International Labour Conference on 9 June, the ence of situations which constituted grave viola- Director-General urged authorities in Myanmar to tions of the prohibition of forced labour”. take immediate measures to release Aung San Suu In the case of Cameroon, the Committee urged Kyi and her supporters and guarantee their free- the Government “to ensure that workers in both dom, as well as to continue, in collaboration with the private and the public sectors could establish the ILO, to end forced labour in the country. and freely administer their organizations without The Committee considered cases in 25 countries the intervention of the public authorities”. and drew the special attention of the Conference to Finally, the Committee noted “persistent viola- its discussions of Belarus and Myanmar. The Com- tions” of the Right to Organize and Collective Bar- mittee cited both countries for nonobservance of gaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98) in Zimbabwe, the Freedom of Association and Protection of the and requested the Government to accept an ILO Right to Organize Convention, 1948 (No. 87) and direct-contacts mission to examine the whole situ- “continued failure over several years” to implement ation on the spot, and inform the Committee on the Convention. Regarding Belarus, the Committee legislative developments and on the outstanding firmly urged the Government “to take all the neces- issues. sary measures in the near future” to bring an end to The Committee also highlighted persistent situ- “its interference in the internal affairs of trade ations of deferred payment of wages, abusive prac- unions”. tices of payment of wages in kind, or the gradual The Committee also urged the Government of erosion of the privileged protection of workers’ Colombia to take the necessary measures immedi- wage claims in bankruptcy procedures in several ately to put an end to the situation of insecurity, so countries. The discussion of a general survey on the that workers’ and employers’ organizations could issue by the Committee of Experts confirmed the fully exercise the rights they are entitled to under continued relevance of ILO standards, such as the Convention, by restoring respect for funda- Convention No. 95 and Recommendation No. 85, mental human rights; in particular, the right to life and the need to promote related instruments, such and security. as Convention No. 173.

WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 11 GENERAL ARTICLES

SOCIAL AGENDA STANDARDS LABOUR MARKET NEPAL R 193 New ILO study highlights l US productivity up, Europe

s US and global productivity accelerate, many European countries were able to maintain does this mean the global economic or improve their ability to create jobs, while slowdown in jobs creation is over? The achieving moderate growth in productivity. The new third edition of Key Indicators of EU increased the employment-to-population A 1 the Labour Market (KILM), finds that a rise in ratio from 56.1 to 56.7 per cent between 1999 and productivity and employment may be the only 2002, while reducing unemployment, the KILM way to reduce poverty says. 1 Key Indicators of the Labour • Although the employment-to-population ratio in Market, Third Edition. The new KILM found that: the US declined by 1.6 per cent – from 64.3 to 62.7 International Labour • US productivity accelerated in 2002, surpassing in the same period, overall it remained consistently Office, Geneva, 2003. Europe and in terms of annual output per higher than the EU. Over the longer term, the US ISBN92-2-113381-8. worker for the first substantial period since WWII, economy has had higher employment and pro- Available in text, CD-ROM and widening the productivity gap with the rest of ductivity growth rates than the EU. Thus, the or Internet versions. The the world. The ILO noted that part of the differ- report shows that positive development in job cre- 900-page volume reflects ence in output per worker was due to the fact that ation and productivity are possible over the longer an effort by the ILO to Americans worked longer hours than their Euro- term. select and refine indicators pean counterparts. US workers put in an average of global labour trends, of 1,815 hours in 2002 compared to major Euro- Global productivity and contains comparative pean economies, where hours worked ranged The KILM is the only report published by an data from some 240 coun- from around 1,300 to 1,800. In Japan, hours international agency which includes estimates on tries and territories world- worked dropped to about the same level as in the total economy labour productivity.3 wide. The press release and US, the ILO said. The KILM showed US output per person data charts can be found at • Growth in productivity per person employed in employed growing 2.8 per cent in 2002 from 2001 kilm.ilo.org/2003/ the world as a whole accelerated, from 1.5 per cent levels,4 for an average growth rate over the past PressPackage/ during the first half of the 1990s, to 1.9 per cent in seven years of 2.2 per cent. This was double the (User ID: kilmpress2003, the second half. Most of this growth was concen- growth rate of 1.2 per cent in the European Union Password: press) trated in industrialized economies (the US and and 1.1 per cent in Japan, during the same period. some EU countries), plus some in Asia (China, The report says output per person employed in the , Pakistan and ). In African and US reached a level of US$ 60,728 in 2002, up from 2 The employment-to-popu- Latin American economies, available data showed US$ 59,081 in 2001. In major EU countries last lation ratio measures the declines in total economy productivity growth year, average labour productivity growth in per proportion of an since 1980. person terms was 1.1 per cent, yielding an output economy's working age • European and other industrialized countries – per person employed of US$ 43,034. Belgium led population (15+) which is while achieving slightly lower productivity growth the way at US$ 54,338, with and Ireland employed; as such, the rates on average than the US – had improved their topping US$ 52,000 and at US$ 42,463 change in this figure is a “employment-to-population ratios”, which meas- (see Fig. 1). good indicator of the ure the proportion of people in the population Greece had higher labour productivity growth ability of an economy to who are working.2 While unemployment rates in than the US in 2002 at 4.1 per cent. At the same create jobs. the EU as a whole remained above those in the US, time, Ireland closed the productivity gap with the

12 WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 MIGRANTS labour trends worldwide: improves ability to create jobs

In the agricultural sector, the KILM shows that employ- ment in the sector has rapidly declined in developed economies, but not in the rest 3 Productivity is measured as of the world. The agriculture annual output divided by sector remains a cornerstone person employed. Output for a large number of develop- is measured as GDP in ing countries in terms of terms of purchasing power employment and poverty alle- parities (PPPs). A key char- viation strategies. Productivity acteristic of KILM's pro- in agriculture shows continued ductivity figures is the use growth in all economies. How- of PPPs to convert output ever, productivity levels in agri- in national currencies to a culture, published for the first standard measure of value time in KILM, remain higher in that avoids distortions US, France and Belgium by increasing its produc- developed economies. In the US, for example, an caused by fluctuating tivity levels to USD52,486, reflecting an increase of agricultural worker produces over 650 times more exchange rates. The KILM 2.2 per cent from 2001 levels. than an agricultural worker in . measures productivity in The figures for output per hour worked show Given the relatively large size of the agricultural two principle ways: annual Norway, France and Belgium ahead of the US since sector in developing economies, the sector remains output per person the mid 1990s. In 2002 Norway had an output per a potential contributor to faster productivity employed and average out- hour worked of about USD38, followed by France growth. With the employment share of the agricul- put per hour worked. at USD35, Belgium at USD34 and the US at 32 tural sector gradually declining, shifting labour to However, estimates of out- (figures are rounded off to the nearest dollar), thus other sectors should improve both employment put per hour worked are showing that part of the gap between the US and and productivity growth over the longer term. less comparable across Europe in output per person employed is due to Access to domestic and international markets in countries than output per differences in hours worked. agricultural goods and the development and person employed, because Besides the difference in hours worked the implementation of environmentally sustainable the measure of hours KILM attributed much of the growth in output per technologies are important vehicles to raise pro- worked can vary signifi- person employed in the US to two other factors: ductivity growth in agriculture. cantly. the production and diffusion of information and communication technology (ICT) in an enabling Hours worked economic environment, and the growth of service The slowdown in industries such as wholesale and retail trade and (GDP) growth that began three years ago – and was 4 The US Department of financial securities that depend on ICT. With the influenced by the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks – Labor, Bureau of Labor exception of Finland and Ireland, most EU coun- was reflected in a parallel decrease in annual hours Statistics (BLS) data tries were unable to match the US in such develop- worked per person in most countries worldwide, released in August 2003 ments in 1990s. the KILM shows based on available information. indicated a continuing growth trend in 2003.

WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 13 GENERAL ARTICLES

SOCIAL AGENDA STANDARDS LABOUR MARKET R 193 MIGRANTS

much higher hours worked than in the US. The report noted that in , for example, people worked 2,447 hours in 2001, the longest hours worked of all economies for which data were available – 26 per cent more than people in the US and 46 per cent more than in the Netherlands, which had the lowest hours worked of all economies for which data were available. “In all developing Asian economies where data were available, people historically worked more than in industrialized economies. This is a typical sign for developing economies as they often compensate for the lack of technology and capital with people working longer hours,” the report said. In some transition economies, hours worked reflected both the ongoing shift from agriculture to manufacturing and services, as well as the shift away from centralized economies. Workers in the Czech Republic, for example, put in 1,980 hours in 2002 – despite a heavy decrease in recent years – and thereby worked the longest hours within OECD economies along with Slovakia (1,978 hours) and Greece (1,934). Ireland provides a good example of the chang- ing pattern in working hours which occurs when an economy moves through the development process, the report said. Along with the sectoral shift from an agricultural-based economy to man- ufacturing and services, hours worked by people in Ireland fell from just above 1,900 annually in the 1980s to 1,668 hours in 2002, a drop of nearly six 40-hour workweeks per employed person, and (see Figs. 2 and 3). Although productivity more than doubling productivity per person increased, hours worked in the US declined each employed between 1980 and 2002. year since 2000, dropping from 1,834 in 2000 to 1,815 in 2002. More significant declines were Creating and maintaining jobs reported during the same period in Norway (from Most industrialized economies (with the excep- 1,380 to 1,342), Sweden (from 1,625 to 1,581), tion of Germany and Japan) increased output and France (from 1,587 to 1,545), (from nominal employment during the period 1999- 1,855 to 1,824), (from 1,807 to 1,778), Ire- 2002. Additionally, European economies such as land (from 1,690 to 1,668) and Germany (from France, , Belgium and Ireland, 1,463 to 1,444). Japan, where people once worked increased their employment-to-population ratios much longer, is now at about the same level as in while reducing unemployment rates during this the US, the KILM says. period (see Fig. 4 on page 15). Over the longer term, hours worked in Aus- Although unemployment rates in Europe have tralia, Canada, New Zealand and the US have generally been higher than those in the US, since been more or less stable since the 1980s, whereas in the early 90s, the unemployment rate in a number the rest of the industrialized world hours worked of countries within the EU have decreased, the have steadily declined (apart from some cyclical report said. EU countries such as Ireland have fluctuations) in the last two decades. reduced unemployment rates from among the Worldwide, a number of countries reported highest in Europe in the early 1990s to below the

14 WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 US in 2002. Additionally, Luxembourg, Switzer- land, Netherlands, Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, UK and Sweden, all have unemploy- ment rates lower than the US, for different reasons. Other labour market indicators in the report sup- port the conclusion that the US labour market reacted differently to those in Europe during the latest economic downturn, perhaps due in part to the different degrees of labour market flexibility and national attitudes toward policy intervention, the report says. For example, in addition to diverging unem- ployment and employment rates, the US shows dif- ferent results from the majority of European economies when it comes to finding jobs for youth and persons unemployed for a long period of time (one year or longer) during this economic down- turn. The US has recorded increases in both the youth unemployment rate and the long-term unemployment rate since 1999, whereas the rates of both indicators declined in a large number of other industrialized economies. Employment-to-population ratios in Latin America showed mixed results over the past decade. Declines between 1990 and 2002 were evi- dent in (falling to 37.1 per cent), Chile (dropping to 35.3 per cent), Colombia (falling to 51.6 per cent) and Uruguay (falling to 47.6 per cent). However, Peru and Venezuela experienced growth in their employment-to-population ratios, of 62.5 and 58.9 per cent, respectively. In Asia, the employment-to-population ratio declined by 2.8 per cent from 60.7 in 1995 to 58.6 in 2001 in South Korea, while in the same period , China’s ratio dropped by 2.8 per cent from 60 to 58.3. and Thailand all record- ed declines in the employment-to-population ratio for 1995 to 2000. Malaysia’s ratio declined by 2.7 per cent, from 65.3 to 63.5. Thailand had one of the highest declines in the region, falling by 12.6 per cent, from 77.5 to 67.7. Even with the declines, the Asian economies typically record high employ- ment-to-population ratios; with the exception of , all of Asia’s major economies recorded employment-to-population ratios of between 50 to 70 per cent.

WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 15 GENERAL ARTICLES

SOCIAL AGENDA STANDARDS LABOUR MARKET NEPAL R 193 In Nepal, a big “STEP” toward better health care

Health Concern Trust (PHECT-Nepal) here is one n Nepal, the ILO “STEP” programme (Strate- such initiative. In 1992, a group of doctors estab- gies and Tools against Social Exclusion and lished a small clinic in the to learn how best Poverty) is working with local partners to to provide health services – often to the poor. A I develop health microinsurance schemes and year later, they founded the “Kathmandu Model improve access to health care for workers in the ”, making it into a referral centre for their informal economy. ILO’s Ismène Stalpers explains target community. how these schemes pool risks and resources of com- At the local level, PHECT-Nepal created a munity groups cooperative structure to encourage community involvement and a sense of ownership of health- TIKATHALI, Nepal – One hour from Kathmandu, care services. The first insurance scheme was cre- and not far from the nearby Himalayas, this dusty ated together with the Women’s Health Cooperative village leads a double life. For part of the year, resi- in 1999, in the Tikathali Village Development dents earn their keep in agriculture, teaching or Committee. other services. The rest of the time, they work at The Women’s Health Cooperative runs a clinic local kilns producing bricks. through local health staff, with one of its members But this village has another distinction. For it is volunteering to run a medical store. PHECT-Nepal here that the strong women who ran the local provides weekly doctors’ visits in the community. cooperative decided to take the need for better The community pays the Women’s Health Cooper- health care into their own hands. Beginning with ative for health care. just 25 members, their Women’s Health Cooper- Today, under PHECT-Nepal’s umbrella, six ative has gradually grown to provide health insur- health provide microinsurance, cura- ance for all 300 members of the women’s cooper- tive and awarness-raising services, covering some ative and become a model initiative in Nepal. 3,000 people. The health cooperatives are com- “Joining the health insurance scheme is not only prised of families which join as a unit. Each com- for our own health care at a discounted price dur- munity-based cooperative runs a clinic. However, ing illness, but also helps indirectly those who can- PHECT-Nepal’s community initiative is by no not afford health care,” says cooperative member means the only health cooperative in Nepal which Sanu Thapa, explaining that the scheme motivates is committed to bringing health insurance to the other poor women to join and improve their access poor. to prompt, easily accessible and affordable health- care services. Health insurance campaign: “All for one, and one for all” Sharing risks The General Federation of Nepalese Trade Sharing risks is not a new concept in Nepal. Unions (GEFONT) has also begun promoting Mutual aid is a Nepalese tradition, rooted in fam- community-based health insurance. One of the ily ties and community relations. In the past, they largest trade unions in Nepal, GEFONT – a con- have helped protect communities from emergen- federation of 15 national trade-union federations cies and difficulties. Now, this culture of risk shar- representing some 350,000 members – is dedicated ing is helping people cope with health problems. to the rights, welfare and dignity of workers from The ILO’s continuous promotion of social pro- different economic sectors, such as carpet, , tection in health has encouraged organizations, tourism, transportation, rickshaw pulling, agricul- from grassroots to government, to launch innova- ture, and public and civil construction. tive health microinsurance schemes. The Public The trade union has been running a compre-

16 WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 MIGRANTS

© ILO/Nepal hensive welfare fund for transport workers since recent ILO roundtable discus- the early 1970s, and has recently acknowledged the sion, former Minister for call for health protection from all its constituents. Health, Dr. Upendra Devkota, In 2000, a cooperative was founded to provide declared that “access to health affordable health care and clinical services to its services is a right of all citizens. members. Since then, more than 500 individuals No one should be barred from have joined. health services due to a lack GEFONT wants to extend health protection to of treatment, low income or all of its workers within the next five years. Under a poverty. It is a shame that nationwide campaign slogan, “All for one, and one people have to beg for health for all”, and with technical support from the ILO, care, as it is their birthright.” GEFONT is now forming workers’ health cooper- Whether in the form of a atives across the country to carry out programmes health cooperative, a health related to microinsurance. post or so-called social health The oldest micro-insurance scheme in Nepal insurance, all these initiatives started with the establishment of local health posts offer health insurance at the by the United Mission to Nepal. Over 27 years ago, grassroots, with a genuine interest in providing it founded the Lalitpur Medical Insurance Scheme, affordable health care. When properly managed, covering mainly essential medicines supplied by health microinsurance schemes carry enormous health posts. United Missions also established a potential for transforming the lives of the other- viable scheme for villagers in and around Lalitpur wise excluded. in Kathmandu Valley. The ILO is technically supporting the policy, Under this scheme, beneficiaries pay an annual and programming health insurance initiatives premium to receive free essential medicines, and a taken up by the Government. It encourages the range of promotional and preventive health care at connection between national-level policies and nominal fees. For serious illnesses, the health posts local initiatives. Government, tradeunions and can refer patients to Patan Hospital in Lalitpur Dis- NGOs act as partners in the provision, and as trict. Women who are referred to the hospital receive advocates for the extension, of social protection. free treatment in the case of high-risk pregnancy. And their collaborative work as providers and This scheme is also a model project here. A promoters is paving the way for extending health gradual handover of responsibility for the health care to poor and disadvantaged groups in Nepal. posts to Government or local health committees The ILO STEP programme supports these ini- will enhance its sustainability. tiatives throughout the world. Another encouraging microinsurance scheme is the the largest in the country, and is run by a For further information, please contact: Ismène regional hospital in the foothills of eastern Nepal. Stalpers, Social Protection Advisor ILO/STEP, ILO Dr. Narayan Kumar, Hospital Director, the founder Office Kathmandu, in Nepal, [email protected] or and visionary behind this scheme, learned the [email protected] principles of health insurance at a joint ILO/STEP and ILO Training Centre course in Turin five years ago. Inspired by the innovative concept, in 2000 he set up a Social Health Insurance Scheme at the B.P. SOCIAL SECURITY FOR ALL - A NEW CAMPAIGN Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) for the people of Dharan and neighbouring districts. The ILO launched the “Global Campaign on Social Security and Coverage for All” at the International The scheme is now marketed by more than 30 Labour Conference in June, to promote the exten- Village Development Committees, municipalities, sion of social security coverage to more people schools and colleges, socio-cultural organizations throughout the world. The objective of the first phase and other local community groups, as well as of the campaign will be putting the extension of O/NGOs. These organizations represent 18,000 social security at the top of the development agenda members, and BPKIHS has the largest membership in as many countries as possible, and to support of any insurance scheme in Nepal, covering both national and international policy-makers in develop- the formal and informal economy. ing strategies to extend coverage by 2006. Nepal is the first country in Asia where the campaign is being launched. A birthright to healthcare The Government is actively fostering the devel- For more information, see: www.ilo.org/coverage4all opment of these health insurance systems. In a

WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 17 GENERAL ARTICLES

SOCIAL AGENDA STANDARDS LABOUR MARKET NEPAL R 193 ILO Recommendation The revival of the co

GENEVA – Five million litres of makes a lot of butter and cheese, but that’s the daily quan- tity dealt with by the milk-marketing cooperative behind the well known and Dhara brands in India. This US$500 million -based business brings together twelve district-based milk manu- facturing cooperatives, which in turn allows - ers in over 10,000 in Gujarat to benefit by processing and marketing their milk on a shared basis. Dr. V.Kurien, Chairman of the parent coop, says the cooperative structure of the business is the key to its success. “We are proud to be workers in a cooperative movement that allows no distinction of national- ity, religion, caste or community,” he said during the most recent annual meeting of the company, adding that cooperation had helped bring “unpar- alleled improvement” to the lives of rural while helping urban populations gain access to good quality, unadulterated food. Half a world away, a similar story is unfolding. A small team of graphic designers based on England’s south coast make up the design company, Wave. Although their work experience is different from that of the Gujarati farmers, they have a remark- ably similar message. Wave proudly boasts of its credentials as a worker-owned cooperative, helping to create jobs and retain profits in the local com-

© ILO/Crozet munity.“We believe in committing ourselves to the well-being of the people who work in our cooper- his June marked the first anniversary of the ative, the people with whom we trade, our local ILO initiative to encourage the idea of community and society at large,” the business tells T cooperative business. ILO Recommenda- its clients. tion 193, concerning the Promotion of Coopera- For the Secretary of the Employers’ Group of tives, was formally adopted last year at the Inter- the International Labour Conference, Antonio national Labour Conference. In the months since, Peñalosa (International Organization of Employ- staff of the ILO COOP team have worked with gov- ers, IOE), cooperatives can play a major role in the ernments and coop bodies to help translate the Rec- economy of their countries. In a number of coun- ommendation into practice at the national level. tries, they have become successful businesses. Journalist Andrew Bibby reports on the results of Examples are the Groupe Migros in Switzerland, their work Groupo Mondragon in Spain and the Credit Agri-

18 WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 MIGRANTS 193 one year after: operative idea

cole bank in France. These cooperatives are often The Recommendation has also been used in active members of employers’ organizations, and , where the Russian parliament, the Duma are playing an important role in national develop- discussed rural cooperative development last ment. December, and in China, where a conference of the Cooperatives are a massive element of the All China Federation of Supply and Marketing global economy. Worldwide, an estimated 800 mil- Cooperatives used the text when debating the con- lion people are cooperative members, and 100 mil- ceptual basis for the country’s future legal frame- lion make their living in cooperatives in agricul- work for cooperatives. tural finance, housing, retail and other sectors. Iain Cooperatives play a crucial role in reducing Macdonald, Director-Gen- poverty, and contribute to eral of the Geneva-based the ILO’s Decent Work International Cooperative Agenda. First, co-ops can Alliance (ICA), says the fig- “Cooperatives empower help create jobs, particu- ures tell the story: in Burk- people by enabling even the larly in economic sectors ina Faso, co-ops control 77 poorest segments of the or geographical regions per cent of produc- population to participate in where conventional com- tion, in Malta, co-ops have panies would struggle to a 90 per cent share of the economic progress, create sufficient share- fisheries industry; and in they create job opportunities holder value to be able to the , two out for those who have skills but operate profitably. Coop- of every five people are little or no capital, and they eratives can also save exist- members of co-ops. provide protection by ing jobs, by allowing pro- In the year since the ducers in ailing companies ILO annual International organizing mutual help in to join forces to save their Labour Conference adopt- communities.” businesses. ed the Recommendation Cooperatives also pro- Juan Somavia – ILO Director-General on cooperatives, results are vide a unique channel for already beginning to show poorer citizens seeking at the national and local basic social service such as level. health services, childcare and preschool provision, In South Africa, the ILO has assisted in the care for the elderly and community services, par- development of a cooperative development strate- ticularly in developed countries. gy. A new cooperative law is making its way onto Co-ops can also provide a bridge to the formal the statute books, a move that should lay the sector for people currently working in the informal groundwork for a welcome boost in co-op devel- economy, by increasing their ability to participate opment there. Guinea-Bissau has also adopted a in the decision-making process and to negotiate national policy on co-op development based on conditions and prices with clients. the ILO Recommendation, with similar initiatives Internationally, cooperatives identify them- underway in Ethiopia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. selves by reference to seven core principles adopt- Latin American cooperative movements have ed by the ICA General Assembly in 1995. These organized 10 national seminars to familiarize their stress the democratic nature of co-ops, including members with the new instrument. the principle of open membership, irrespective of >>

WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 19 GENERAL ARTICLES

R 193

>> THE SEVEN COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES gender, race, political views, religion or social sta- tus. They also include the principle of one mem- • Voluntary and open membership: Cooperatives ber-one vote, which provides women the opportu- are voluntary organizations, open to members without discrimination nity to participate in co-ops on equal terms with • Democratic member control: Cooperatives are men. Co-ops also define themselves as democratic organizations, controlled by their autonomous self-help organizations, controlled by members who actively participate in setting their membership. policies and making decisions This last point has not always been adequately • Member economic participation: Members understood by governments, who have sometimes contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative embraced the theory of cooperation as a route for • Autonomy and independence: Cooperatives economic development, and then tried to turn co- are autonomous, self-help organizations con- ops into instruments of state. The Recommenda- trolled by their members tion clarifies this point and stresses the participa- • Education, training and information: Coopera- tory nature of cooperation. As Juan Somavia, ILO tives provide education and training for mem- bers, elected representatives, managers and Director-General, said at the International Labour employees Conference last year, “Cooperatives empower peo- • Cooperation among cooperatives: Coopera- ple by enabling even the poorest segments of the tives serve their members most effectively, and population to participate in economic progress, strengthen the cooperative movement, by they create job opportunities for those who have working together at local, national, regional and international levels skills but little or no capital, and they provide pro- • Concern for community: cooperatives work for tection by organizing mutual help in communi- the sustainable development of their communi- ties.” ties The International Cooperative Alliance, which is itself entering a time of regeneration, sees the [Source: Edited from the Statement on the Coop- erative Identity, adopted by the ICA General ILO Recommendation as a valuable tool in its Assembly, 1995] work. “It’s the first time for a long time that a for- mal official policy has been produced by an inter- The text of ILO Recommendation 193 can be national organization of the status of the ILO,”Iain found on the ILO Web site, Macdonald says. His task now, he says, is to help www.ilo.org/ilolex/english/recdisp1.htm disseminate the message: “The trick is to get gov- ernments to pay attention to it,” he adds. © ILO/Maillard

20 WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 MIGRANTS

INTERVIEW For millions of migrants, a new Convention © ILO/Crozet

he UN Convention on the Protection of 120 million, are migrant workers or members of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and their families. This number could well double in Members of Their Families, entered the next quarter century. Many others are perma- Tinto force on 1 July 2003. More than ten years in nent immigrants who migrated for employment in the making, the new Convention represents a immigration countries. major step in efforts to improve the lives of the world’s vast mobile workforce. ILO senior migra- WoW: What problems do they face? tion specialist, Patrick Taran, who instigated the global campaign for ratification, tells World of Taran: Despite being of vital economic importance Work what the Convention does, who it concerns – migration not only provides individuals with an and how it will make a difference in people’s lives income, but also produces billion – dollar remit- tances to their home countries – migrant workers World of Work: What is the world’s migrant popu- are often considered cheap, flexible labour, and lation today and how many are migrant workers? lack basic legal protection. Irregular migrant work- ers are especially vulnerable, because the threat of Patrick Taran: Some 175 million people live and apprehension and deportation thwarts unionizing work outside of their country of origin. The ILO and impedes exposure of dangerous working con- estimates that a large majority of these, or about ditions. Women, who make up 70 per cent of the >>

WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 21 GENERAL ARTICLES

SOCIAL AGENDA STANDARDS LABOUR MARKET NEPAL R 193

INTERVIEW

© AFP

>> migrant workforce in some countries, are more have access to a minimum degree of protection. often employed in the informal sector, and in indi- In the countries where the Conventions’ provi- vidualized work environments where there are few sions are applied, the large numbers of men, and possibilities to establish networks of information especially women, who work in the informal and social support. sector can also look forward to better protec- tion. The new Convention also recommends WoW: Aren’t there already two ILO Conventions on measures to eradicate clandestine movements of migration? migrants.

Taran: Yes, there are ILO Conventions, the ILO WoW: Eradicating irregular labour migration, isn’t Migration for Employment Convention, 1949 (No. that quite a tall order? 97) and the ILO Migrant Workers (Supplementary Provisions) Convention, 1975 (No. 143), which Taran: The Convention proposes that States should have been on the books for over 25 years. They have take action against the dissemination of misleading been ratified by 42 and 18 ILO member States, information on emigration and immigration, and respectively, and provide a basic framework for to detect and prevent clandestine movements of national legislation and practice on labour migra- migrant workers. In this way, the Convention dis- tion. They stipulate that States actively facilitate fair courages illegal migration, while seeking funda- recruitment practices and transparent consultation mental rights for all. with their social partners, reaffirm non-discrimi- nation, and establish a principle of equality of WoW: And how will you enforce the convention? treatment between nationals and regular migrant workers in access to social security, conditions of Taran: All countries which have ratified it are legal- work, remuneration and trade union membership. ly bound by the Convention. In addition the appli- The new UN Convention develops these instru- cation of the Convention will be monitored by a ments further, and can be seen as complementary committee of ten experts elected by the States to them. It seeks to guarantee migrants basic which have ratified it, forming the Committee on human rights, and works to ensure that all the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers migrants, legal or illegal, as well as their families, and Members of their Families.

22 WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 MIGRANTS

WoW: So, who has ratified the Convention? formulation, exchange of information, providing 1 , Morocco, information to migrants, and their orderly return Seychelles, Colombia, Taran: Twenty-two primarily emigration coun- and reintegration. , Uganda, Sri tries; i.e., those where migrants originate, have Lanka, Senegal, Bosnia- already ratified the Convention,¹ with another ten Our work at the ILO also continues. An ILO Herzegovina, Cape having signed – the preliminary step to ratifica- Regional Tripartite Meeting on Challenges to Verde, , tion.² At present, none of the world’s major host Labour Migration Policy and Management in Asia, , Ghana, Guinea, countries of migrants and immigrants has ratified met on 30 June to 1 July, in Bangkok, to assess the Bolivia, Uruguay, Belize, it. There were few ratifications at all until 1998, opportunities and challenges facing countries in , Ecuador, when a global campaign was launched by a unique the region. New activities are getting underway to El Salvador, Guatemala coalition of UN agencies, including the ILO, and support empowerment and improvement of con- and Mali, have ratified international labour, church, human rights and ditions for specific groups; in particular, women or acceded. migrant NGOs. Since then ratifications have migrant domestic workers. And labour migration tripled. (See the Web site www.migrantsrights.org) will be the topic of the General Discussion at the 2004 International Labour Conference in Geneva, WoW: There’s a huge demand for migrant labour in in 2004. Given the high level tripartite partici- 2 Chile, , these countries; won’t economic forces continue to pation from all 177 member States of the ILO, this , Comoros, shape migration behaviour? discussion may be the closest we will get to a world Guinea-Bissau, conference on migration in this decade. Our Paraguay, Sao Tomé and Taran: For the ILO, a “win-win” sustainable migra- agenda includes labour migration in the era of Principe, Sierra Leone, tion regime entails meeting looming demands for globalization, policies and structures for more Burkina Faso and Togo, labour, both in Europe and North America, and in orderly migration for employment, and the have signed the Africa, Asia and Latin America, while putting in improvement of protection for migrant workers. Convention. place policies and structures to regulate and man- age migration properly. This requires a significant degree of social consensus and involvement from the parties most directly affected by labour migra- tion: workers and employers. As ILO Director Gen- JOINT GLOBAL ACTION eral Juan Somavia said,“an international consensus is emerging that regulation of international labour he executive heads of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the migration cannot be left solely in the hands of T International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Office of the High Com- national interests and market mechanisms. Rather, missioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the United Nations Educational, Scien- tific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), signed a joint statement on 1 July it requires organization through bilateral and welcoming the entry into force of the Convention: multilateral agreements, and adherence to inter- “The Convention recognizes that certain basic human rights – defined in the national standards.” Universal Declaration of Human Rights – apply to all migrant workers and their family members, regardless of status. It delineates rights applying to migrants in WoW: So you feel that progress is being made? both regular and irregular situations, setting minimum standards of protection with regard to civil, economic, political, social and labour rights, recognizing that migrant workers are human beings with roles and responsibilities beyond the Taran: : Certainly the new Convention, along with labour and economic context. Based on earlier ILO Conventions, it extends the the existing ILO Conventions, together provide a legal framework for international migration, treatment of migrants, and preven- comprehensive “values-based” definition and legal tion of exploitation and irregular migration. It covers the entire migration basis for national policy and practice, and serve as process: preparation, recruitment, departure and transit; stay in States of employment; and return to and resettlement in original homelands.” tools to encourage States to establish or improve The statement also expressed the four agencies’ “commitment to work national legislation in harmony with international towards increased collaboration and joint activities in the field of migration and standards. The protection and structure offered by human rights, in areas such as generating data and research on migration, on these instruments go well beyond providing a providing technical cooperation and capacity-building for government officials and other actors, in addressing abuses of migrants in situations of trafficking human rights framework. Numerous provisions in and forced labour, and in preventing discrimination and xenophobia against each add up to a comprehensive agenda for migrants”. national policy, and for consultation and cooper- ation among States on labour migration policy

WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 23 FEATURES

PLANET WORK NEWS AROUND THE CONTINENTS ILO IN THE PRESS

PLANET WORK A REVIEW OF TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS IN LABOUR ISSUES

WORKPLACE COMMUNICATIONS and business performance. Testing the ■ Workers exasperated by overfull e- language of now-bankrupt energy mail inboxes and despairing at the fre- ■ Swearing at computers, listening to giant Enron from 1999 to 2001, con- quency of annoying and distracting voicemail messages on a speaker and sultants found it grew increasingly pop-up announcements of arriving e- sending e-mail to colleagues sitting obscure as the company sank deeper mail may find an answer in so called just a few feet away, are among the into trouble. “Weblogs”. The “blog”, as it is com- major irritants in today’s high-tech, – Source, Reuters, New York, June 2003 monly known, is a frequently updated electronic workplace. According to a online journal, and is best known as a survey by British recruitment firm ■ High-tech may mean longer means for journalists or political cam- Office Angels, one out of three workers hours. According to a recent survey, paigners to share news and ideas with became so frustrated by their col- being available by mobile phone, e- the general public. Password, protected leagues’ irritating habits – which are mail and other modern gizmos is versions of the “blog” are also being most often related to noise levels and extending the working day for some used by businesses and government technology in the office – that they employees to 14 hours. The poll organizations for posting messages for often wanted to quit their jobs. Other found that business calls often affect- colleagues. Typically, a Web log might major sore points include shouting ed the social lives of workers as early be used to coordinate group projects or into the phone, and jamming the pho- as 6 a.m., and up to 11 p.m. What’s interviews. Users – also called “blog- tocopier and leaving it for someone more, no profession seems to be gers”– claim that such online journals else to fix. Still, this is Britain, and the immune. The death of the traditional facilitate informal dialogue between col- survey said refusing to make tea was 9-to-5 routine affected plumbers and leagues, while avoiding the intrusiveness one of the biggest gripes in the work- electricians as well as office workers. of the individual e-mail. place. Four out of ten people claimed – Source, IC Wales, July 2003 – Source, Taipei Times, July 2003 they would not cover for a colleague who had never made a “cuppa”. (See ■ First the dot.coms, now the dot.com compounded by falling rates of “utiliza- related story on IT jobs) implementers – the world’s IT consult- tion”– the proportion of time that a con- – Source, Office Angels UK, 2003 ants – have seen their bubble burst. Plen- sultant spends on client business. At tiful work, sky-high fees and a lifestyle of IDC, Anna Danilenko estimates that IT ■ Keen to “envisioneer” a new conspicuous consumption which char- consulting firms are achieving utiliza- approach, “touch base” regularly with acterized the red hot IT era of just a few tion rates of about 66 per cent, com- your manager and “incentivize” your years ago are becoming as rare as over- pared with 85 per cent plus in the boom workforce? The best way to do it may priced dot.com shares. According to a years – a fall of 20 per cent. The be to get rid of such language alto- number of recent reports, hourly charge remaining hours are spent on generat- gether, according to a new software rates for IT consultants have fallen by as ing new business and in training and programme from a large US-based much as 40 per cent since 2001. administration. consulting firm which is urging corpo- Another US research group also Individual consultants may be experi- rate communicators to “cut the bull”. notes the change, estimating the aver- encing a sinking feeling, but the industry The company admits it has had a role age hourly rate for a consultant at US itself, by contrast, appears relatively in popularizing indecipherable words $179, down from $190 in 2000. Whereas buoyant. Some analysts expect IT con- such as “synergy” and “extensible two years ago a partner could charge US sulting to outperform other forms of busi- repository”. But it declared war on its $306, an hour of their time today is more ness advice, such as human resources own jargon with the release of “Bull- likely to set you back a mere US $283, and strategy, over the next three years. fighter”, a program designed to help although larger companies tend to Sensing a winner, some strategy firms writers of business documents avoid charge more than their smaller counter- are turning to technology work. obtuse or faddish language. The firm parts. — Source: Ft.com, July 2003 believes it has spotted an important The fall in hourly rates has been link between clear communications

24 WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 MEDIA SHELF

DISCRIMINATION

■ In the United Kingdom, it seems that age discrimination is, well, getting old. That was the message of new pro- posals to the British Parliament aimed at banning workplace discrimination on the basis of age by 2006. The pro- posed law would end mandatory retire- ment ages imposed by employers, but permit the introduction of a recom- mended retirement age of 70. Employ- ers would also be banned from telling employees they are too old for training programme or enforcing low retire- ment ages to maintain a younger work- © ILO/Maillard force. According to the UK Department of Trade and Industry, the law also bans different cadres and their recruitment largely male because it appears women advertising for “mature and reliable” or age also differed. The judgement came aren’t very interested in working there. “young and energetic” job candidates. in the wake of appeals by Air India, the – Source, Business Day (South Africa), The measures are intended to bring Air Hostesses’ Association and the Air July 2003 Britain into line with EU directives for- India Male Cabin Crew Association. bidding age discrimination in employ- – Source, The Tribune, , ■ Is there a correlation between sex ment and vocational training. India, 12 July 2003 discrimination and a country’s level of – Source, FT.com, 2 July 2003 development? Most of the time, but not ■ South Africa’s mining industry is always, according to the 2003 Human ■ But in India, it seems the battle the latest sector in the country to face Development Report (HDR) published against age discrimination has failed to scrutiny over its commitment to gender by the United Nations Development take off – for women, at equality. The South African Ministry of Programme (UNDP). Highly devel- least. The Supreme Minerals and Energy wants at least 10 oped economies in Scandinavian coun- Court has decided to per cent of the country’s total mining tries came out on top in terms of the uphold Air India’s rule workforce to be female by 2008. number of women in politics, in pro- banning female air Officials say, however, that increasing fessional and technical fields and the hostesses from flight female involvement in the industry, one ratio of female-to-male earned income. duty after the age of of South Africa’s largest, won’t be easy. Countries faring lower included Egypt, 50, in contrast to Of the 40,000 workers employed by one and Bangladesh. One notable male colleagues who major mining company, just 3 per cent exception was Greece, which was 24th may continue until the are women. The same figure applies to on the UNDP’s Human Development age of 58. The airline the 28,000 - strong workforce at anoth- Index, but only 40th in terms of the challenged an original er company. Companies also said they position attained by women. Japan High Court ruling in are reinforcing their policies on sexual presents the most striking anomaly, favour of the hostesses, harassment, due to concern over the being ninth on the UNDP’s overall on the ground that air reaction of male workers to an increas- Human Development Index list but hostesses and male ing number of females on the job site. 44th in terms of women’s empower- cabin crews were of Only underground mining may remain ment. Many argue that a number of >> © Courtesy Air India Air © Courtesy

WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 25 FEATURES

PLANET WORK NEWS AROUND THE CONTINENTS ILO IN THE PRESS

PLANET WORK A REVIEW OF TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS IN LABOUR ISSUES

© KEYSTONE >> landmark laws in the country in the last two decades, including new regulations on domestic violence and equal employment opportunities, have not been put into practice. – Source, UNDP Human Development Report, 2003

■ Two decades after the phrase was coined, the glass ceiling is still largely intact. According to Carol Hymowitz, writing in the Wall Street Journal, women remain blocked by the glass ceiling 20 years after she claims to have brought the phrase into popular parlance. She says boardrooms remain male-dominated, with women holding only 13 per cent of board seats as of insisted on conflict-of-interest guide- and NZ$24,900, respectively, for men, 2002 in S&P 500 firms in the US The lines, compared with 58 per cent of all although that figure, however, is slight- number of women at the helm in Scan- male boards. Also, 72 per cent of boards ly skewed by the fact that 36 per cent of dinavian companies is similarly low – with two or more women conducted women work part-time compared to 12 so much so that the governments of formal board performance evaluations, per cent of men. Norway and Sweden are considering compared with 49 per cent of all male – Source, The Ashburton Guardian, (NZ) quota systems to boost female appoint- boards. July 2003 ments. Norway is considering requiring – Source, WSJ.com, July 2003 that 40 per cent of directors’ seats go to ■ An influx of high-spending tourists women, unless companies voluntarily ■ The pay gap between men and from southeast Asia boosted trade for comply by 2005, while in Sweden, women in New Zealand is widening, South African hotels, shops and politicians are demanding 25 per cent according to a report by several NGOs. restaurants over the summer, according of female representation in board- The report said changes in the 1990s to several tour operators. rooms by the end of next year. had actually plunged a large group of The profile of the visitors was a As Hymowitz explains, boardroom women and children into poverty. A lucrative one for an industry badly diversity is not just about fairness, but second report by the country’s Ministry affected by the SARS epidemic earlier makes good business sense. Members of Women’s Affairs, presented at the this year. One travel official said his who represent diverse groups can make UN Convention on the Elimination of company had welcomed big buyers of it more likely that diverse markets are Discrimination against Women, con- gold and diamond jewellery and being served. If women make most curs that gender differentials are getting African curios. “We have been very health-care decisions in American fam- wider. According to figures from Sta- lucky that the effects of SARS are over ilies, for example, gender diversity is tistics New Zealand, women earn an so quickly. When tourism from Asia needed if a pharmaceuticals company average of US $13.46 an hour com- died away in May, we thought there is to reach out to all of its customers. A pared to the US $15.04 per hour for would be no recovery before September study last year by the Conference Board men. This equates to average female at the earliest.” However, some are of Canada found that 94 per cent of earnings of NZ$403 a week and warning that South African tourism boards with three or more women NZ$14,500 a year compared to NZ$639 must now overcome stiff competition

26 WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 MEDIA SHELF © AFP

as destinations across the world slash longer before retire- prices to revive their tourism industries ment. The artists’ after the effect of SARS. strikes focused atten- – Source, Independent Online, South Africa, tion on the role of the July 2003 French employers, association, Medef, ■ Seasonal theatre workers, musicians which works with and actors in France walked off the job in major labour unions to July, forcing the cancellation of major the- administer actors’ ben- atre and opera festivals in the historical efits. Medef and the cities of Avignon and Aix-en-Provence. unions failed to see eye-to-eye, and union enjoying the latest opera or theatre this The issue – cutbacks in pensions and refusal to sign an accord prompted the summer are French political elites who unemployment schemes – is part of a “sea- protests. While workers and employers often vacation in the area. This year, it son of discontent” which has seen workers sought to resolve the standoff, however, the seems they’ll be hearing a different refrain. take to the streets nationwide earlier this walkout proved too much for festival year in protest over proposed pension organizers who cancelled the summer – Source, Wall Street Journal Europe, July reforms which would require them to work performances. Among those who won’t be 2003

ILO launches new digital adventure in the world of work

o help teachers introduce school children to the impor- ration in action through stories, quizzes, challenges and adven- T tance of work and the need to protect people in the work- tures. The website also provides teachers with a curriculum place, the ILO has launched 3Plus-U, a unique on-line digital guide, developed by ILO London and Education International, adventure that takes students and teachers on a voyage of to help explore further work-related issues that are addressed learning to illustrate how the world of work affects everyone. by the ILO. In partnership with the UN's Cyber- Visit the 3Plus-U site schoolbus project, now available on the and as part of UN’s Cyberschoolbus at: awareness-raising http://www.un.org/ activities for the cyberschoolbus/index.asp Declaration on Fundamental Prin- For further information ciples and Rights at contact: Work, the 3Plus-U [email protected] website uses three or visit guides – Toshi, www.ilo.org/declaration Kaia and Isabelle – to show the Decla- © ILO/Declaration

WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 27 FEATURES

PLANET WORK NEWS AROUND THE CONTINENTS ILO IN THE PRESS Youth employment: Charting a “road map” for national action

second meeting of the High Level Panel of the Youth Employment Network, to chart a “road map” for action at the country level. The High Level Panel called upon the core part- ner agencies to implement specific steps to meet the challenge of youth employment. These include translating strategy into National Action Plans, One billion youth – some the best mobilizing financial resources for youth employ- educated and trained ever – are soon ment, brokering social dialogue, inviting youth organizations to play an active role in the design to enter the working – age population. and implementation of national action plans, and For some, globalization offers engaging business representatives and workers in unprecedented opportunities. But mil- outreach programmes and collaboration with lions of others remain disconnected young people. “Our challenge now is to move from from the global economy, with little the excellent policy work that has been done to a new phase of action at the country level”, said UN prospect for employment. Imple- Secretary-General Kofi Annan who congratulated menting action at the national level the High Level Panel on its progress and recom- and bringing youth into the process, mendations. was the focus of the most recent meet- ing of the UN Secretary – General’s “Investing in decent and productive work for Youth Employment Network (YEN) young people is both a strategy for econom- ic and social development and our quest for national and collective security. We have GENEVA – Youth leaders, senior YEN officials of seen, all too often, the tragedy of youthful the ILO, the UN, the World Bank and other organ- lives misspent in crime, drug abuse, civil izations met at the ILO on 30 June to 1 July for the conflict and even terrorism.” – Kofi Annan.

Convened in the wake of the 2000 Millennium Summit, YEN aims to “develop and implement strategies that give young people everywhere a real chance to find decent and productive work”, through key policy interventions, employability, equal opportunities, entrepreneurship and employ- ment creation. Youth are the solution, not the problem

The Secretary-General welcomed the active role of youth organizations in the discussion, noting that young people provided unique expertise and

© KEYSTONE approaches. “When we want to know about youth,

28 WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 MEDIA SHELF

you are the experts.” He added that the road map NATIONAL ACTION IN could provide countries with a unique resource for the creation and implementation of national action plans. JAKARTA – An Indonesian Youth Education to target the special needs Employment Network (I-YEN) was of marginalized youth. The ILO is sup- In response, youth representatives pledged an launched on 12 August, International porting the network’s activities by con- “enhanced collaborative voice” to the youth Youth Day, aimed at providing jobs for ducting school-to-work transition sur- employment agenda. They proposed greater recog- the country’s 6.1 million unemployed veys, developing vocational training nition for countries making progress on the issue young people. Under the Youth policy guidelines, providing support to of youth employment, and a coordinating mech- Employment Network (YEN), Indonesia young workers in the informal sector, has become a lead country in the and developing a national youth anism between YEN and its youth constituents. development of National Youth employment Web site. Geeta Rao Gupta, President of the International Employment Action Plans and is unit- Centre for Research on Women, and Chairperson ing government ministries, private For further information please contact of the meeting, said that YEN had agreed to help companies and NGOs to mobilize tech- ILO Jakarta, nical and financial resources. The phone: +6221.314.1308, World Bank and UNDP are also work- fax: +6221.310.0766, ing in partnership with the Ministry of e-mail: [email protected] “The prevailing policy advice on youth employ- ment is not working. If it were we would not have countries develop and implement plans to increase the level of unemployment of youth we see today. youth employment. It welcomed ILO leadership in We cannot expect economic growth to bring jobs helping YEN recruit other governments and naturally, to succeed we have to put job creation develop criteria for prospective partners. Partici- and enterprise creation at the very forefront of pol- pants also stressed the need for the collection and icy making.” – Juan Somavia dissemination of information on good practices in youth employment. Pensions in crisis: As the EU expands, so do pension concerns © KEYSTONE As the European Union (EU) expands, new member states are bringing with them long-term pension financing problems, similar to those faced by current members. The source – ageing populations which are literal- ly eating into the economic pie from which all pensions must be paid. Replacing public, pay-as-you-go sys- tems with new commercially managed savings accounts is seen as a solution. However, a new ILO study on pension reform in the EU accession countries says both state-run schemes and new commercially managed funds are GENEVA – While workers in EU member states struggling to cope with the challenge took to the streets to protest against planned gov- of ageing populations ernment reforms on pension funding and a rise in the retirement age, countries considering joining >>

WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 29 FEATURES

PLANET WORK NEWS AROUND THE CONTINENTS ILO IN THE PRESS

>> the Union face a different quandary: how to mod- the development of voluntary supplemental retire- ernize pension systems to deal with the needs of ment schemes. workers in market economies, while making sure The study argues that a shift in the funding of that those who need social benefits today will con- pensions alone will fail to tackle the demographic tinue to enjoy an acceptable standard of living. The challenge: “both types of schemes are mechanisms problem was on the agenda of a recent meeting of for dividing current Gross Domestic Product Labour Ministers from the 13 East European and (GDP) between workers and pensions,” says the Mediterranean states which considering whether to study. In either case, “the working generation must join the European Union, who met here during the still support the retired through sharing part of the 2003 International Labour Conference. wealth it produces.” The study* says a proposed shift from “pay-as- Moreover, over several decades, the cost of a you-go” financing of national pension schemes to transition to commercially managed accounts may newer, mandatory, commercially-managed indi- cause a fiscal burden to society of some 0.5 to 2.5 vidual accounts, in which each worker saves for his per cent of GDP per year. This burden results from or her own retirement, poses problems for the gen- redirecting part of current contributions to the eral population. Adopted by a number of Central new private savings accounts, a diversion that cre- European countries during the late 1990s, their ates a “hole” in the financing of the pay-as-you-go early experience shows that these reforms are scheme over the next several decades. This mag- administratively burdensome and prone to high nifies the pension financing problems on the administrative charges and negative real returns on horizon, rather than alleviating them. workers’ savings. What is more, they are not an So if individual savings will not solve the pen- effective means of stabilizing pension financing. sion crisis, what will? “Solutions are in the labour “The shift from pay-as-you-go to advance funding market, not just in the pension system,” says ILO * Recent trends in pension does not avert the challenge of ageing,” concludes social security specialist, Elaine Fultz. The study reform and implementa- the study. suggests, as options, more flexible labour market tion in the EU accession This is particularly worrying for East European policies aimed at boosting employment, invest- countries, Elaine Fultz, countries. One group (Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, ments in training and technology to raise produc- International Labour Latvia and Estonia) is scaling down public pay-as- tivity, and pro-family and immigration policies to Office, Geneva, May you-go systems and bringing in parallel, commer- increase the working population, as well as pension 2003. Online at cially managed individual savings schemes – shift- reforms to motivate and enable older workers to http://www.ilo.org/ ing risks which were previously borne by workers, remain in the workforce or retire gradually. In this public/english/region/ employers, and governments collectively, to work- way boosting productivity can “increase the size of eurpro/geneva/ ers alone. A second group, including the Czech the economic pie from which support for retired activities/ac/ Republic, Slovenia, Romania and Turkey, is com- persons must come”. trend_en.pdf bining adjustments to public pension systems with

30 WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 MEDIA SHELF

Narrowing the gender unemployment gap in Jordan

© AFP Unemployment in Jordan is declin- ing. Now, with a rapidly growing IT sector and greater national focus on gender equality, initiatives are being launched to help women to have greater opportunities in the country

GENEVA – Jordan has made progress over the past decade in the fight against unemployment. Compared to average joblessness of 18.9 per cent in the Middle East and North Africa, the ILO* says average unemployment in Jordan in - 2000 - 2003 was 14.6 per cent, down from 16.9 per cent in 1993-95. But, as is the case in many other countries, unemployment rates in Jordan remain consider- ably higher for females than for males, leading to a “gender unemployment gap”. Whil work remains entitled, Globalization and the gender division of to be done, the good news is that this gap has nar- labour in Jordan and , compared the two rowed since the early 1990s. female-dominated sectors of IT and manu- Jordan’s rapidly growing information technol- facturing. It found that in the IT sector in Jordan, ogy (IT) sector is an area of promise. On the poli- the wage gap between women and men is nar- cy level, there has been a noticeable increase in gov- rower compared to the textile sector. Likewise, ernment support for the sector, and through women’s advancement to higher positions is more foreign investment, international organizations common in the IT sector. Sex segregation in occu- and private firms are showing considerable inter- pations was also less prominent in the IT sector. est. At the same time, there is greater emphasis New UNIFEM ventures seek to promote gender placed on gender issues in the country, with the IT equality in the IT sector, and empower women by sector a key area of attention. The ILO report, Time building their capabilities and professional skills. for equality at work, calls jobs in this sector a chance To that end, UNIFEM held a workshop in October for “equal treatment and equal opportunity for 2002 on women in IT, focusing on women’s current women”.This may well prove the case for Jordan. and future contributions to the IT sector in Jordan. Women comprise an estimated 30 per cent of Women participants in the gathering included the total workforce in Jordan’s IT sector, despite chief executive officers, chief technical officers, and accounting for only 16 per cent of total employ- executive managers of leading IT companies in Jor- ment in the country. A study conducted in 2002 by dan. UNIFEM has also created a database which the United Nations Development Fund for Women will evaluate the IT sector in Jordan from a gender (UNIFEM) indicates that 13% of women perspective. The database will be used as a tool to employed in the IT private sector are managers. monitor and assess policies and practices identified Earlier figures from Jordan’s official National as a hindrance to the employment of women. This Information Center indicate that women make up activity is the first of its kind in the region, and 22 per cent of programmers. offers a model for mainstreaming and empowering * Global employment A recent study by the ILO and the Economic and women in IT. trends 2003 Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)

WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 31 FEATURES

PLANET WORKNEWS AROUND THE CONTINENTS ILO IN THE PRESS

New HIV/AIDS initiative: Growing solidarity in the world of work

With an estimated 26 million or Compact Policy Dialogue on HIV/AIDS, hosted by more workers infected with HIV, find- the ILO Programme on HIV/AIDS and the world ing ways to help them and their of work (ILO/AIDS), in collaboration with the employers deal with the consequences United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). of the epidemic is a matter of urgency. There is growing evidence that effective work- Workers and employers have recently place programmes on HIV/AIDS make sound busi- joined forces in a campaign aimed at ness sense – in view of falling productivity and ris- tackling the challenges of HIV/AIDS ing labour costs caused by AIDS – and that in the workplace partnership is the best way to implement cost- effective interventions to limit the spread of infec- tion and mitigate its impact. As part of their joint GENEVA – The International Confederation of commitment, both the ICFTU and the IOE will Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) and the International explore opportunities to identify and develop joint Organization of Employers (IOE), recently issued a action programmes in partnership with their joint statement at the ILO, announcing that they national members, and to increase the profile of the were joining forces in the fight against HIV/AIDS problem as well as the resources available to fight in the world of work. In the statement, entitled, the pandemic. “Fighting HIV/AIDS together: A programme for The progress of the joint initiative, and future engagement”, the two ILO social partners implementation of the ILO Code of Practice on call on their affiliates and members to “make a cru- HIV/AIDS, will be discussed at an interregional tri- cial and credible contribution to the fight against partite meeting on best practices in workplace poli- HIV/AIDS in the workplace”. cies and programmes on HIV/AIDS, hosted by the The statement was issued at the first UN Global ILO in Geneva, on 15 to 17 December 2003.

Trafficking in women: New ILO publication aims to expand awareness

GENEVA – Women and girls are much more stages of the international migrant process, likely than men and boys to be victims of traf- including trafficking. It also stresses that traf- ficking, especially into prostitution and other ficking in human beings is, first and foremost, a forms of sexual exploitation. But labour violation of human rights, and should not be exploitation and other contemporary forms of dealt with solely from the perspective, of fight- slavery are also areas where women and girls ing illegal migration nor protecting national are increasingly becoming ensnared. Now, a interests. new guide* produced by the ILO Programmes See Media Shelf for more details. on Gender Promotion, the International Migra- For more information please contact: tion Branch, and the Special Action Pro- The Gender Promotion Programme * Preventing discrimination, gramme to Combat Forced Labour, focuses on (GENPROM) the particular dangers faced by women and International Labour Office exploitation and abuse of girls. The guide, one of six booklets on various 4, route des Morillons women migrant workers: aspects of the problem, aims at enhancing CH-1211, Geneva 22, Switzerland An information guide knowledge and understanding of the vulnera- phone: 4122/799-6090 – fax: 4122/799-7657 Booklet 6: Trafficking of bility of women migrant workers to discrimina- e-mail: [email protected] women and girls. ILO, tion, exploitation and abuse throughout all Web site: www.ilo.org 2003

32 WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 MEDIA SHELF

287th Governing Body elects new officers Committee on Freedom of Association report

Daniel Funes de Rioja © ILO/Crozet

Sir Leroy Trotman © ILO/Crozet © ILO/Crozet

Eui-Yong Chung, Ambassador of the Sir Leroy Trotman, General Secretary, Barbados Republic of Korea, elected Chairper- Workers’ Union, and spokesperson of the Workers’ son of ILO Governing Body for 2003- Group in the Governing Body, was elected Work- ers’ Vice-chairperson. Daniel Funes de Rioja, Pres- 2004 ident of the Social Policy Department of the Latest report of ILO Committee on Argentinian Industrial Union, and Chairperson of the Employers’ Group of the Organization of Freedom of Association cites Belarus, American States from 1995 to 1998, was re-elected Colombia, others as Employers’ Vice-chairperson. The three will serve as Officers of the Governing Body during its 2003-2004 Session. The Governing GENEVA – The Governing Body of the ILO Body is the executive council of the ILO and meets elected Eui-Yong Chung, Ambassador of the three times annually in Geneva. It takes decisions Republic of Korea, as Chairperson for its 2003- on policy and establishes the programme and 2004 Session. The 287th session of the Governing budget of the 177 member State organization. Body also considered a range of other business including a report of the ILO Committee on Free- Freedom of Association dom of Association. The Governing Body approved the 331st report Ambassador Chung replaces Lord Brett, United of the ILO Committee on Freedom of Association. Kingdom, who served as Governing Body Chair- At its May-June meeting, the Committee examined person during the 2002-2003 Session. In June 2002, 28 cases. Altogether there are currently 90 cases Mr. Chung had already been elected Government before the Committee. Vice-chairperson of the Governing Body. He is also The Committee drew special attention to the an ex-officio member of the ILO World Commis- cases of Colombia and Belarus in respect of free- sion on the Social Dimension of Globalization, and dom of association. played a leading role in WTO negotiations. Before In the case of Belarus, the Committee deplored he came to Geneva in 2001, as an ambassador of his its persistent failure to implement the Committee’s country, he served it as a Deputy Minister for recommendations, particularly as concerns the Trade. urgent need to institute an independent investiga- >>

WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 33 FEATURES

PLANET WORK NEWS

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tion into the allegations relating to government respected and guaranteed. The Committee further interference in trade union elections, with the aim of deplored that the rate of sentenced perpetrators rectifying any effects of this interference. The Com- continued to be extremely low during the entire mittee further lamented the repeated failure on the history of the case before the Committee, only two part of the Government to provide all of the informa- sentences have been reported to it. The Committee tion requested and to reply to outstanding allegations. reiterated its request to the Government, “to put an The Committee also noted with regret new alle- end to the intolerable situation of impunity and to gations concerning very serious interference in punish effectively all those responsible”. the internal affairs of two of the complainant In a vote, the Governing Body rejected a request organizations in this case the Radio and Electronic by its workers’ group to establish a Commission of Workers’ Union (REWU) and the Belarusian Auto- Inquiry for Colombia based on Article 26 of the mobile and Agricultural Machinery Workers’ ILO Constitution. The Governing Body also con- Union (AAMWU). sidered, under a separate agenda item, a progress The November 2003 Session of the Governing report concerning the ILO special technical coop- Body will deal with a complaint against Belarus eration programme for Colombia. submitted by its workers’ group in accordance with In the case of the Republic of Korea, the Com- Article 26 of the ILO Constitution, which foresees mittee noted that important steps have been taken the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry. over the years to ensure freedom of association, but In the case of Colombia, the Committee noted significant obstacles to the full implementation of with deep concern that the situation of violence in these principles remain. The Committee was nev- the country continues in all sectors of society, and ertheless pleased to note the Government’s “overall that there have been allegations of the assassination desire and willingness to resolve the remaining of 11 trade union members in 2003, while addi- issues”, including concrete progress through the tional allegations of 73 murders as well as deten- granting of special pardons to imprisoned trade tions, death threats, abductions and attempted unionists. murders of trade union members or officials in The Committee also considered proposals for 2002, have recently been reported to the Commit- the reform of the public service in Japan. The tee by the complainant organizations. Committee requested the Government to provide The Committee recalled that freedom of associ- it with the text of any relevant amending legisla- ation can only be exercised in conditions in which tion, recalling important issues of freedom of asso- fundamental human rights, in particular those ciation which have yet to be adequately addressed relating to human life and personal safety, are fully in the consultations.

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Heard about ILO Online? appear on the ILO website or in World of Work mag- The ILO Department of Communication provides an azine. exclusive news and feature service in English, French and Spanish for people interested in the world of How to subscribe work. Direct to your inbox, "ILO Online" sends timely To subscribe, please visit our website news features, providing background on ILO issues (www.ilo.org/communication) and enter your email and actions, previews of upcoming events as well as address in the box titled ILO NEWS service. You will pre-publication articles from the World of Work mag- be automatically registered for ILO Online and azine. receive an email asking you to confirm your interest. Return it and your subscribed. Why subscribe? Subscribers receive features on ILO activities, social For further information, please contact the ILO policy and international labour issues. Meeting pre- Department of Communication, views, backgrounders on such issues as the future of phone: +4122/799-7916, the tobacco industry, SARS and employment in the fax: +4122/799-8577, tourism sector, discrimination at the workplace, and e-mail: [email protected] occupational safety at work and child soldiers. ILO Online publishes these articles first - before they We welcome your comments and suggestions

34 WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 AROUND THE CONTINENTS ILO IN THE PRESS MEDIA SHELF

A REGULAR REVIEW OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR AROUND THE CONTINENTS ORGANIZATION AND ILO-RELATED ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS TAKING PLACE AROUND THE WORLD.

finance, labour and development per cent of the country’s total questions”. The Forum would be exports, in the year 2001. Consistent charged with agreeing on a coherent with former reports, no evidence of set of policy proposals to stimulate child labour and forced labour was sustainable growth and decent work. found in the current report. While problems still remain, there has For the full text of the speech, please been progress in ensuring freedom check the ILO Web site at of association, and to a lesser http://www.ilo.org/public/english/ degree, the correct payment of bureau/dgo/speeches/index.htm wages, and ensuring that overtime is voluntary and within legal limits.

For further information, please contact: Further progress in Lejo Sibbel, Project CTA, Phnom Penh, working conditions in phone: +85523/212-847 the Cambodian garment industry Vietnam reaffirms ■ Two new ILO reports show fur- commitment to ILO ther improvement in working con- ditions in garment factories in standards which produce apparel © ILO/Crozet for sale in North America, Europe ■ Vietnam has "reaffirmed its ILO and other developed countries. The commitments" in a bilateral apparel monitoring was done under a tech- agreement signed on April 25, ILO Director-General nical cooperation project estab- between Vietnam and the United lished following an agreement States. Under the terms of the agree- calls for globalization signed in January 1999, by the Gov- ment, the labour ministries of the ernments of Cambodia and the two countries agreed to "meet to policy forum United States, and amended on 31 review progress toward the goal of December 2001. The agreement improving working conditions in ■ ILO Director-General Juan Somavia offered a possible 18 per cent the textile sector in Vietnam". The has called for a “Globalization annual increase in Cambodia’s pact differs from a similar accord Forum”, bringing together actors export entitlement to the United with Cambodia which ties higher such as the ILO, the International States – provided that the govern- textile quotas to improvements in Monetary Fund (IMF), the World ment upheld internationally recog- workers’ rights. Bank, the nized labour standards in its facto- (WTO) and the United Nations ries and workplaces. The plants For further information, please con- Development Programme (UNDP). concerned employ some 21,000 tact the Washington Branch Office of In a speech at the Center for Strate- workers, of whom 19,000 are the ILO, phone: +1202/653-7652, gic and International Studies in women. Overall, Cambodia has fax: +1202/653-7687, Washington in May, Mr. Somavia some 200 garment factories e-mail: [email protected] expressed the hope that the Forum employing 200,000 workers, and might address “the numerous inter- produced about 1.1 billion US dol- dependencies between trade, lars in garment exports, or about 77

WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 35 FEATURES

PLANET WORK NEWS AROUND THE CONTINENTS ILO IN THE PRESS

INDONESIA COMMITTED TO ELIMINATING CHILD LABOUR ON JERMAL FISHING PLATFORMS BY 2004 © Achim Pohl - missio Pohl Achim ©

■ Children working on so-called "jermal" labour programme, and ratified ILO Con- eliminate child labour on jermal platforms. fishing platforms in Indonesia belong to the ventions No. 138 on minimum age and No. Under the first phase, it is estimated that 170 million children worldwide exposed to 182 on the worst forms of child labour, in approximately 260 children were with- the worst forms of child labour. The ILO 1999 and 2000, respectively. drawn and about 1,116 children prevented International Programme for the Elimina- In addition to the hazards involved in from entering such work. It is hoped that tion of Child Labour (IPEC) estimates that in working 15 to 25 kilometres out at sea, such strategies can be replicated through- 2000-2003, a total of 1,000 boys in Medan, young jermal workers must endure long out Indonesia and that jermal platforms North Sumatra, were at risk of life - threat- working hours (between 12-20 hours per can be made child labour free at the end of ening accidents and drowning. day), and three months of isolation from the second phase. Indonesia is about to To ensure the elimination of child labour their families. The boys are also vulnerable embark on a large-scale Time Bound Pro- in jermal fishing by the year 2004, ILO-IPEC to physical and sexual abuse from adult gramme for the Elimination of the Worst and the Provincial Government of North co-workers or employers. Forms of Child Labour, which will include Sumatra signed a Letter of Agreement Among the LoA’s primary objectives are children in the fishing industry among (LoA) on 14 April 2003, in Medan. The new the identification and removal of children other target groups. agreement falls – like a previous document from jermal platforms, requiring immediate signed in 2000 – within the framework of withdrawal for all child labourers below For further information, please contact the the Memorandum of Understanding on the the age of 18, and the facilitation of International Programme on the Elimina- Elimination of Child Labour, signed in 1992 changes in community and family attitudes tion of Child Labour (IPEC), by the Government of Indonesia and the towards child labour. phone: +4122/799-8181, ILO. Indonesia was one of the first coun- The LoA represents the start of the sec- tries in Southeast Asia to launch the child ond stage of the ILO-IPEC programme to fax: +4122/799-8771, e-mail: [email protected]

36 WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 MEDIA SHELF

Chile, trade More than 1,000 daily operations, and helping their suppliers do the same. For a full list pacts affirm ILO companies commit to of the companies which have writ- ten to the UN Secretary-General members’ obligations Global Compact pledging their support for the Global Compact, and information on Global Compact activities in ■ The United States, Singapore ■ More and more companies from general, see: and Chile have each affirmed their all over the world are signing up to www.unglobalcompact.org. country’s “obligations as members the UN Global Compact, thus of the International Labour Organi- endorsing the four principles set For further information on ILO par- zation”, after completing trade forth in the ILO’s 1998 Declaration ticipation in the Global Compact, agreements guaranteeing workers’ on Fundamental Principles and please contact the ILO Multinational rights. The US involvement builds Rights at Work. Their commitment Enterprises Programme, on negotiating objectives set down to the Compact means the com- phone: +4122/799-6481, by Congress in the Trade Act of panies, which include not only fax: +4122/799-6354, 2002, which called on US nego- major multinational enterprises e-mail: [email protected] tiators to “promote respect for such as BP, Carrefour, Daimler- workers’ rights and the rights of Chrysler, Dupont, Hewlett Packard, children, consistent with core Novartis, Nike, Pfizer and Shell, but New framework labour standards of the ILO”, such also many smaller enterprises from as ILO Convention 182 on the worst developing and transition countries, agreement in the forms of child labour. The US-Sin- have agreed to uphold and promote gapore free-trade agreement states freedom of association and the metal industry refers that the two nations will “strive to effective recognition of the right to ensure that its laws provide for collective bargaining, the elimina- to ILO standards labour standards consistent with the tion of all forms of forced and com- internationally recognized labour pulsory labour, the abolition of ■ The German-based engineering rights…and shall strive to improve child labour, and the elimination of company, GEA, with 15,000 those standards in that light”, while discrimination in employment and employees in more than 50 coun- America’s agreement with Chile occupation. Companies participat- tries, the GEA European Works introduces monetary penalties to ing in the Global Compact, which Council and the International Met- enforce labour and other provi- also includes principles on human alworkers’ Federation, have signed a sions. The United States is now in rights and the environment, commit Declaration on Principles of Social negotiations with Costa Rica, El Sal- themselves to making the nine prin- Responsibility. It is the fifth interna- vador, Guatemala, Honduras and ciples of the Compact part of their tional framework agreement signed Nicaragua, on a Central American free - trade agreement.

For further information, please con- tact the Washington Branch Office of the ILO, phone: +1202/653-7652, fax:+1202/653-7687, e-mail: [email protected] © ILO/Cabrera

WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 37 FEATURES

PLANET WORK NEWS AROUND THE CONTINENTS ILO IN THE PRESS

by the Federation. The agreement at Protection through Health Micro- retraining of workers. The booklet GEA – a company specializing in insurance for Women in the Infor- underlines various ways in which process technology, thermal and mal Economy”, and aims to provide employers can combat the negative energy technology, as well as air women working in the informal sec- impact of TB by identifying suf- treatment and farm systems – tor with access to health care. Set to ferers, referring them for diagnosis acknowledges the company’s social run through mid-2004, the project and giving them the support needed responsibility, its support of, and involves ILO negotiations with Gov- to complete their treatment. The compliance with, “internationally ernment agencies, trade unions and booklet stresses that workplace pro- accepted human rights”, and the local non governmental organiza- grammes should take into account basic right of all employees to estab- tions, to map out existing “micro- women’s greater vulnerability to TB, lish and join unions and employee insurance” health plans and assess and its impact upon them due to representations in accordance with their effectiveness. The ILO is at higher levels of poverty, sex discrimi- ILO No. 87 on freedom of associa- present working with Government nation and the increasing incidence tion and No. 98 on the right to col- agencies and local groups to set up of HIV among women. lective bargaining.The company flexible health insurance plans to “supports and expressly encour- reach more workers in the informal For further information, please con- ages” its contractors to take this dec- economy. tact the ILO Global Programme on laration into account in their own For further information, please con- HIV/AIDS and the World of Work, respective corporate policies. The tact the ILO Social Security Policy phone: + 4122/799-7668, first framework agreement for the and Development Branch, fax: 4122/799-6349 metal industry was signed at Mer- phone: +4122/799-6635, loni Elettrodomestici, in December fax: +4122/799-7962, 2001. Since then, the Federation has e-mail: [email protected] signed framework agreements with Improving social and Volkswagen, Daimler-Chrysler, Leoni economic security and now GEA. Guidelines to control For further information, please in Africa contact the ILO Multinational tuberculosis Enterprises Programme, ■ A two-day consultation in Dar es phone: +4122/799-6481, ■ The ILO and the World Health Salaam has highlighted some of the fax: +4122/799-6354, Organization have issued a 74-page problems of globalization in Africa. e-mail: [email protected] booklet on the control and treat- The gathering took into account 23 ment of tuberculosis. The guide- African countries and demonstrated lines, which are aimed at tackling a that traditional support networks disease which infects 8 million peo- had been eroded, but had not been Insuring uninsured ple and kills some 2 million each replaced by modern alternatives. year, can be used by governments, Focusing on People’s Security Sur- women in the employers, workers, and health pro- veys of Africa, Ghana, South Africa fessionals. Striking mostly at indi- and Tanzania, the consultation Philippines viduals in their productive prime, found the most significant causes of between the ages of 15 and 54 years, financial crisis to be health care ■ An ILO project in the Philip- TB has serious economic as well as costs and the financial costs of old pines, funded by the Norwegian humanitarian costs. As the booklet age. Just one in every 25 women and Government, offers hope for a solu- highlights, the disease disrupts men in some countries expects to be tion to an enduring problem of workflow, reduces productivity, and financially secure in old age, and developing countries: providing increases both direct costs, such as just one in four women earns an health insurance for the poor. The care and treatment, and indirect income which she can keep for her- project is entitled, “Extending Social costs, such as the replacement and self. Yet the workshop, which was

38 WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 MEDIA SHELF

opened by the Tanzanian Minister Somavia said. “But if you look at 0001, Japan, for Labour, Dr. Juma Kapura, con- international policies to fight pover- phone: +813/5467-2701, cluded with a positive message. The ty, job creation and enterprise devel- fax: +813/5467-2700, consultation’s 70 delegates demon- opment are not always there. They e-mail: [email protected] strated that significant improve- are the missing links in the global ments in social and economic securi- strategy to wipe out poverty.” ty could be made without involving substantial financial or technical resources. In addition, the exercise Full disabled access showed that most people retain val- Sex discrimination ues of social solidarity, believing for new ILO Lima inequalities should be reduced, and in the workplace ways found to compensate those Office affected by disasters, ill health and ■ A symposium in Tokyo, Japan disability. has focused on the persistent prob- ■ Providing full access for disabled lem of sex discrimination in the people was a foremost consider- For further information, please con- workplace in four industrialized ation in the construction of the new tact the ILO InFocus Programme on democracies – Canada, Germany, ILO office in Lima. It is the first ILO Socioeconomic Security, Japan and the United States. The office to be fully accessible to people phone.: +4122/799-8893, International Symposium on with disabilities. All public areas on fax: +4122/799-7123, Women, Work and the Law: Pro- the first floor, including the bath- e-mail: [email protected] moting Gender Equality in the rooms, are suitable for use by the Workplace, was organized under the disabled, and facilities on all office auspices of the ILO, with sponsor- floors are open to the disabled. Eleva- ship by the Asia Foundation, tors, servicing both underground ILO Director-General Friedrich Ebert Foundation, and the parking levels and the six stories of Canadian Embassy in Tokyo. In the building itself, are also calls for decent work Japan, women’s share in managerial designed to accommodate wheel- and administrative jobs is 9 per chairs. Augustin Muñoz, ILO in Africa cent, one of the lowest in the world. Regional Director for the Americas, Women earn 50 per cent to 60 per spoke of the project as an exemplary ■ Slow growth in sub-Saharan cent of the wages earned by men, model for buildings of a similar Africa in the 1990s elevated the which is also one of the lowest nature: “We are proud to be the number of people living in poverty among the industrialized countries. sponsors of this model project in by 25 per cent, to nearly 500 million. Although their share has increased the construction community of At a meeting of Foreign Ministers of in recent years, women comprise Lima, and are honoured now as well the African Union on 8 July, during only 10 per cent of parliamentarians in the awareness of our uniqueness the 2nd African Union Summit, in in Japan, and only 12.6 per cent of within the ILO community.” The Maputu (Mozambique), ILO Direc- all officers in central workers’ Minister of Labour was present at the tor-General Juan Somavia warned organizations. Participants shared laying of the first foundation stone, that unless new ways are found to experiences and discussed ways in on 12 May. create opportunities for decent which work environments could work for the world’s poor, the promote gender equality. For further information, please con- Millennium Development Goals of tact the ILO Regional Office for the reducing poverty by half by the year For further information, please con- Americas, Las Flores 295, San Isidro, 2015, will remain beyond the reach tact the ILO Tokyo Branch Office, Lima, Peru, of many countries in the region. “If United Nations University, 8th floor, phone: +511/221-2565, you ask people living in poverty Headquarters Bldg. 53-70 Jingumae fax: +511/421-5292, what they need, it’s a decent job”,Mr 5-chome, Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo 150- e-mail: [email protected]

WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 39 FEATURES

PLANET WORKNEWS AROUND THE CONTINENTS ILO IN THE PRESS

ILO IN THE PRESS

40 WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 MEDIA SHELF

Articles have been excerpted and are not always in the exact format in which they appear originally. They are trimmed and rearranged sometimes, for space reasons.

WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 41 FEATURES

PLANET WORKNEWS AROUND THE CONTINENTS ILO IN THE PRESS

MEDIA SHELF

■ Preventing discrimina- countries, exploring the type of labour market these regions. This study represents an inde- tion, exploitation and abuse regulations needed to ensure a balance pendent examination of the real impact of of women migrant workers: between employment flexibility and security. social funds on ILO fields such as job and An information guide. The authors examine the contrasting labour income creation, operations and Booklet 6: Trafficking of markets and labour market institutions of Den- women’s participation. It considers various women and girls. ILO, Gene- mark, France, Japan and the United States, ways in which the ILO can use its expertise to va, 2003-07-21 offering examples of different types of employ- improve the functioning of the funds; for ISBN: 92-2-113763-5. See Page 28 for further ment protection and labour market policy. example, involving local communities fully details. The study shows that in 2000, on average, through training, or training SMEs and local Evidence shows an alarming increase in over 60 per cent of all employed persons in consulting firms to implement projects which the incidence, severity and global reach of Europe remained in their jobs for more than 5 can create more jobs. trafficking in humans. Women and girls are years. About 40 per cent held their jobs for The report concludes that social funds are more likely than men and boys to be the vic- more than ten years. These percentages are an effective way to manage the substantial tims of this modern form of slavery, in particu- about the same as those for the early 1990s. subsidies of international assistance. It sug- lar of trafficking into sexual exploitation. And although job stability in the United States gests greater ILO involvement in the design This booklet is one of a six-part series is lower than in Europe, there has been no and supervision of such bodies, and makes aimed at enhancing knowledge and under- dramatic decline in tenure over the last ten some recommendations for increased social standing of the vulnerability of women migrant years. fund activity in the future in areas such as debt workers and the ways to combat trafficking. It The book suggests that employment policy alleviation, the aftermath of conflict and envi- identifies the supply and demand-side causes should focus efforts to secure a resilient core ronmental disaster. of trafficking, describes the actors and of stable employment, with the flexible sector processes in trafficking and explains why of the workforce structured around this core. ■ Rural Industry in India. women and girls are more vulnerable. The It is argued that these flexible workers need G.K. Chadha booklet stresses the human rights dimension particular measures of security and protection South Asia Advisory Team of the problem, emphasizing that trafficking to ensure they are not marginalized. (SAAT), ILO New , 2003 should be defined primarily by its exploitative Showing that a high level of economic and ISBN: 92-2-111913-0 and servile nature, and not just as a problem of social development usually correlates with a Rural industry has a sig- organized crime or irregular migration. considerable level of job stability, the book nificant role to play in The booklet suggests several strategies confronts the claim that developing countries expanding employment, improving productivi- for combating trafficking and minimizing its must exclusively target the flexibilization of ty and earnings, and poverty reduction. The damaging impact. Preventive measures such their labour markets in order to climb the lad- ILO attaches great importance to the growth as awareness and information campaigns, der of development, create employment and of India’s rural industry because of the huge and community mobilization and outreach are reduce unemployment. It proposes finding number of people who depend upon it for given emphasis. Guidelines for assisting and ways to stabilize their labour markets and employment and welfare. It has been engaged supporting trafficked persons cover issues workplaces while allowing for some flexibility. in a technical cooperation programme of rural such as identification, residence status and The authors conclude by affirming their industrialization in India for over a decade, non-criminalization of victims. The guide identi- belief in the importance of social partnership, and this present book represents a culmi- fies prosecution as the weakest part of the stressing that responsibility for social and nation of the ILO initiative in this crucial area anti-trafficking system, and proposes that employment protection is the joint responsibil- of India’s development. authorities establish a distinct offence and ity of both industry and government. The book puts together evidence from a definition of trafficking in human beings, number of studies conducted by the ILO pro- impose deterrent sanctions, and criminalize ■ Social funds: Lessons gramme in India, funded by the Swedish Inter- all activities related to trafficking. for a new future. national Development Agency, which aimed to Philippe Garnier and Marc find alternative strategies for employment in ■ Employment stability in van Imschoot the agrarian sectors. This research-oriented an age of flexibility. ILO, Geneva, 2003 programme, under ILO-SAAT, was geared Peter Auer and Sandrine ISBN: 92-2-113511-X towards generating an understanding of the Cazes Today, approximately 100 strengths and weaknesses of aspects of rural ILO, Geneva, 2003 social funds are in operation throughout the industries, ranging from productivity and tech- ISBN: 92-2-112716-8 world. They strive to attain a wide variety of nology to employment and environment. Price: 35 Swiss francs objectives, including fighting poverty, reduc- The book examines the likely impact of It is widely held that the traditional employ- ing the negative impact of structural adjust- recent policy changes on the future of rural ment relationship has been undermined by ment policies and creating jobs for women. industry, concluding that the major problems mass dismissals, high unemployment, global- Originally intended to ease the undesirable include thin institutional support, technologi- ization and technological change. Contrary to effects of structural adjustment policies on cal handicaps, marketing weaknesses and the this perception, the authors put forward con- poor and low-income groups, they have quality of the workforce. The book argues that vincing evidence that job tenure in industrial- evolved into governmental instruments of industrialization strategy itself needs to be ized countries has in fact hardly changed over social policy in Central Europe, the Middle recast. It makes several recommendations for the past ten years. East, Latin America and Africa. the future; in particular, the importance of The book offers a comparative analysis of The ILO has been closely involved in the responding to the needs of industrial “clus- employment stability and flexibility in 16 OECD creation and development of social funds in ters”, where industries gathering in the same

42 WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 MEDIA SHELF

area can benefit from information - sharing, Sylvester Young, Director of the ILO Bureau of against child labour and of ILO gender main- cost reduction, market-oriented innovation Statistics, on "Statistics in the ILO: Roles and streaming goals. and government support. responsibilities". The article looks at the evolv- The report highlights several categories of ing work of the Bureau of Statistics, as well as good practice. It emphasizes the importance ■ ILO standards-related the issues and challenges it faces. of providing sex-disaggregated data in all activities in the area of occu- analysis relating to child labour, and under- ■ pational safety and health. Gender mainstreaming lines the need for specific initiatives, pro- ILO, Geneva, 2003 in actions against child grammes and activities to make girls’ and ISBN: 92-2-112883-0 labour. women’s work more visible. At the same time, Price: 17.50 Swiss francs Una Murray, Anita Amorim the interdependence of male and female gen- The protection of work- (IPEC), Colin Piprell der identities is emphasized, with the conclu- ers against work-related sickness, disease International Programme on sion that any gender-specific actions to com- and injury, as embodied in the preamble to the Elimination of Child bat child labour must involve the other sex as the Constitution of the ILO, continues to be a Labour, ILO, Geneva, 2003 partners and allies. It is suggested that gen- high priority for the organization. However, ISBN: 92-2-113586-1 der-sensitive procedures and reminders be the implementation of this mission requires The is the first report collated by the ILO made routine at every stage in the creation more than ratification, which cannot in itself and IPEC to highlight activities which qualify and implementation of policy. guarantee that such objectives become as "good practices" in terms both of actions reality. This report examines the impact, coherence and relevance of ILO standards ■ International Labour Review. security at macro, meso and micro levels. and related activities in the area of occupa- (Vol. 142, 2003, No. 2) is a special issue At each level – country, enterprise, indi- tional safety and health (OSH), with the aim on "Measuring decent work". The first vidual – sub-indexes measure "inputs", of developing a consensus on a plan of article, by Dharam Ghai, introduces the processes and actual outcomes, using action to increase their impact. decent work concept, discussing how selected indicators. The three sub- After introducing the ways in which the specific indicators could be used to indexes are then normalized and added ILO deals with various challenges in the area measure it. Richard Anker, Igor Cherny- up, producing an overall index for each of OSH, the report looks at priorities for shev, Philippe Egger, Farhad Mehran and form of security. The security indexes are action at all levels, both global and national, Joseph E. Ritter propose ways to measure finally combined to construct the Decent and workplace-specific. It analyzes best decent work with statistical indicators. Work Index for each level. Gary S. Fields practices in the application of ILO instru- The authors derive ten characteristics of examines possible trade-offs and the ments and discusses the need for a rational- a decent job, from which they identify 30 potential for complementarity between ization of current standards. Various propos- readily usable indicators to measure them the various components of the Decent als are given for transforming rules into and the conduciveness of the socio-eco- Work Agenda. He presents a two-compo- reality, encouraging knowledge manage- nomic environment. Other indicators are nent model of a "decent work frontier", ment, information exchange and technical suggested for development. Stressing consisting of quantity and quality of cooperation relating to OSH issues. that the set is far from definitive, they rec- employment, and identifies labour market The report comes with a free CD-ROM, ommend that decent work start being sys- conditions in which there would be trade- containing a trilingual database (English, tematically measured. Building on the offs and complementarities between the French and Spanish) with details of a survey previous contribution, David Bescond, two. The article argues and empirically on OSH issues carried out among ILO con- Anne Châtaignier and Farhad Mehran analyzes how economic growth could stituents. investigate the practicability of a subset of contribute to the promotion of decent seven indicators for measuring decent work. Finally, Iftikar Ahmed considers ■ Bulletin of labour statistics. work deficits. Each indicator is presented how the promotion of decent work can ISSN: 0007-4950 with a discussion of what to look for when contribute to human development and 2003-1 using it for international comparison. The economic growth. He compares the per- Annual subscription (2003): authors conclude with a tentative ranking formance of 38 countries with regard to 115 Swiss francs. Trilingual: of countries’ overall performance, subject their UNDP Human Development Index, English/French/Spanish to quality and comparability of national their index of decent work deficit (DWD) Published quarterly in data. Another way of gauging decent elaborated by Bescond, Châtaignier and March, June, September and work is proposed by Florence Bonnet, Mehran in this issue, and their GDP per December, this bulletin provides the most Jose B. Figueiredo and Guy Standing. capita. Some countries without high recent statistics on employment, unemploy- Conceptualizing decent work in terms of incomes prove able to achieve lower lev- ment, hours of work, wages and consumer socioeconomic security, they present els of DWD and, conversely, countries price indices. Extracts from the ILO database three sets of composite indexes with with high incomes do not automatically "LABORSTA" are also included. which to measure the occurrence of achieve lower levels of DWD. This issue features an article by A.

ILO publications for sale can be obtained through major booksellers or ILO local offices in many countries, or directly from ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 4 route des Morillons, CH-1211 Geneva 22, Switzerland. Tel: +4122/799-7828; fax: +4122/799-6938; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http//www.ilo.org/publns. Catalogues or lists of new publications are available free of charge from the above address. The ILO Publications Center in the US can be contacted by phone: +301/638-3152, fax: +301/843-0159, e-mail: [email protected], or on the Web site: http://www.un.org/depts/ilowbo.

WORLD OF WORK, NO. 48, SEPTEMBER 2003 43 I AM A CHILD

Right now, 246 million children are being deprived of a better future by child labour.

This must change.

The nations of the world are working together with the International Labor Organization under the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work to abolish child labour and free the potential of every child.

ABOLISH CHILD LABOUR AND CHANGE THE FUTURE OF THE WORLD

International Labor Organization www.ilo.org/declaration