GENEVA (ILO News) - The Governing Body of the International Labour Office (ILO) will discuss a wide range of issues at its 294th session beginning here today, including basic labour rights in Myanmar, globalization, and employment issues, especially among the world's youth.
The meeting, scheduled for 3-18 November, will also consider ILO activities in the field of employment promotion and social protection. As a follow up to the Resolution concerning youth employment adopted by the 93rd session of the International Labour Conference in June 2005, the Governing Body will discuss future ILO action on youth employment.
The Subcommittee on Multinational Enterprises will examine the Eighth Survey on the effect given to the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy. The Declaration sets out principles in the fields of employment, training, conditions or work and life and industrial relations and encourages the positive contribution that multinational enterprises can make to economic and social progress.
The latest report of the ILO Committee on Freedom of Association is also among the agenda items of the November session of the Governing Body.
Myanmar
Concerning the forced labour situation in Myanmar, the Governing Body will consider recent developments in that country and further steps to be taken following the observations of the ILO Committee on the Application of Standards at the International Labour Conference in June 2005.
Noting that the "wait and see" attitude adopted by most members since 2001 cannot continue, the Committee had urged tripartite members of the ILO to urgently review their relations with Myanmar, including foreign direct investment and state and military-owned enterprises, and report back before the Governing Body meeting in November.
A report to the Governing Body gives details on a series of death threats, received by the ILO Liaison Officer, during August and September 2005. According to the report, these and other developments, including official and semi-official mass rallies and a media campaign against the ILO involvement in Myanmar, "seriously undermined" his ability to perform his functions.
The report noted that during discussions with the ILO on 18-19 October 2005, Myanmar officials stated that the authorities had decided to withdraw from the ILO. However, the notification of this decision had been delayed in order to allow an examination of other options. No formal notice of withdrawal has been received by the ILO.
Globalization
The Working Party on the Social Dimension of Globalization will consider ILO follow up to the UN 2005 World Summit held in September at which over 150 Heads of State and Government unanimously stated they "strongly support fair globalization and resolve to make the goals of full and productive employment and decent work for all... as part of our efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals". Among the issues to be examined is a proposal for a forum that would discuss globalization policy and decent work.
The Working Party will also discuss the consequences of the current international financial system for enterprises and workers, and how the ILO should suggest improved policy coherence between different international organizations, including the international financial agencies, to enhance growth, decent employment and investment.