THE International Labor Organization (ILO) is a world institution that organizes and legislates on labor matters that may apply in all member countries of that organization. It is a fundamental body for respecting the work and dignity of every human being on this planet, being of extreme importance for the reduction and eradication of any type of exploitation in the market of work.
Read more: WHO - organization created with the aim of ensuring a high level of health for all
Origin of ILO
Founded in 1919, shortly after the First World War, the International Labor Organization (ILO) was created in a context of struggles and demands of the 19th and early 20th century trade union movements. To alleviate social injustices and promote greater equity among nations, the ILO emerged right after a catastrophic event in world history, in which millions of lives were lost.
![The ILO was founded with the aim of guaranteeing decent work to all member countries. [1]](/f/2a453f1cdd66b6b230e10dc8bb7e6ff1.jpg)
The initial intention of the ILO would be legislate on work and its similar matters:
- journey time
- social protection
- employment and income
- health and safety at work, among others.
In its first year, in 1919, the ILO defined the main demand of the unions: eight hours a day and 48 hours a week of work. A great advance for the time, considering that, years before, journeys of 12 to 16 hours a day were common.
In addition to this item, age and gender were also considered in the advances of the ILO in 1919. That year, it was defined 14 years old as the minimum age for entry into the labor market and the prohibition of night work for children under 18 years of age.
These rules are still valid today, including in the Brazil, according to Article 60 of the Child and Adolescent Statute (ECA), formulated in 1990. These advances are discussed at ILO meetings, called the International Labor Conference. Once discussed and decided upon, advances are compiled and turned into documents, called conventions.
Until 1939, 67 conventions had been elaborated with the most varied themes about work: rest in the industry, medical exams, night work, minimum age, maternity protection, etc.
Still in 1939, the year in which the Second World War, ILO activities decreased as a result of the war, altering the organization's logistics. The headquarters of the ILO was transferred to Montreal, Canada, so that there would not be great damages to the workers of the time. In 1944, the headquarters returned to its place of origin, in Geneva, Switzerland, where it remains today.
The following year, the United Nations Organizations (UN). In 1946, the ILO became the first UN agency to be specialized in a subject.
In 1969, when it turned 50, the ILO received the Nobel Peace Prize for the great advances in world labor legislation, with significant changes and achievements for workers around the world.
See too:Child labor - a reality that persists to the present day
ILO objectives
The ILO is the only UN specialized agency that has a tripartite structure: members from countries, employees and employers are present in the organization's decision-making. Currently, 187 countries adopt the ILO guidelines and are considered member states.
Among its principles and objectives, we can highlight that the ILO works for the promotion of decent and decent work for both genders, with freedom, security and equity in actions. To achieve attractive levels of development, overcome poverty and reduce social differences, decent work is a path to be considered, with democratic guarantees and accessible to all.
![The ILO's mission is to guarantee decent, safe and dignified work for all. [2]](/f/bfb9ec6c25407611d5883729b65a282c.jpg)
According to the ILO itself, four objectives guide its actions to promote decent work for the population of each member country:
• Define and promote norms and fundamental principles and rights at work;
• Create greater decent employment and income opportunities for women and men;
• Improve the coverage and effectiveness of social protection for all;
• Strengthen tripartism and social dialogue.
For this to happen, it is essential that countries, employees and employers act with convergence of opinions and ideas, seeking progress and prosperity for all involved.
ILO Conventions
From 1919 to the present day, the ILO already produced 187 conventions, of which 16 are no longer in force (due to change of laws, extinction of some works and/or alteration with the creation of other conventions).
These conventions are made at the ILO annual meetings., which take place at its headquarters with representatives of the three spheres present in the body's structure. In general, such conventions cover the following topics:
- Indemnity for Work Accident in Agriculture;
- Equal Treatment (Indemnity for Work Accident);
- Minimum Wage Setting Methods;
- Forced or Mandatory Labor;
- Indemnity for Professional Illness;
- Onboard Crew Accommodation;
- Maritime Work;
- Migrant Workers;
- Maternity Support;
- Abolition of Forced Labor;
- Weekly Rest in Commerce and Offices;
- Fishermen's Medical Examination;
- Accommodation on board fishing vessels;
- paid vacations;
- Minimum Age for Admission;
- Workers' Health and Safety;
- Safe Use of Asbestos;
- Inspection of the Living and Working Conditions of Maritime Workers.
All of these aforementioned conventions are in force, and their guidelines must be respected and practiced by member states.
ILO in Brazil
In Brazil, the ILO has been operating since its creation, as our country is one of its founding members, actively participating in annual conferences since 1919. Physically, this organization has a headquarters in our country since 1950. Currently, the Brazilian headquarters of the ILO are located in Brasília, in the Federal District.
Much of the labor changes that took place in Brazil from the 1930s onwards, with the government of Getulio Vargas, has its origin in the conferences promoted by the ILO. These were great advances for the workers.
At the beginning of this century, in 2006, in the government of then president Luís Inácio Lula da Silva, the National Decent Work Agenda, which works with guidelines to improve the promotion of jobs, equal opportunities and the eradication of child labor.
In 2010, theNational Plan for Employment and Decent Work was created to delimit indicators of public policies in the field of employment generation. Years later, in 2017, the ILO, in partnership with the Ministry of Labor, launched the Digital Observatory of Slave Labor in Brazil and the Digital Observatory of Occupational Health and Safety.
More than 100 years after its foundation, the ILO has shown itself to be firm in the actions of time and governments, consolidating labor relations and ensuring significant improvements, even if, in some cases, slowly and gradually, for workers all over the world.
Also access: Informal work - labor activity that is not regulated by the State
solved exercises
Question 1 - (MPT 2012) In relation to the International Labor Organization (ILO), its norms and principles, tick the INCORRECT alternative:
A) After the elaboration of a convention by the International Labor Conference, all Member States shall be made aware of it for the purpose of ratification. failure to accede to a convention by the competent authority or authorities of the Member State relieves it of its obligations, except to inform the Director-General of the Bureau International Labor Office, at times that the Board of Directors deems appropriate, on its legislation and practice observed in relation to the matter dealt with by the convention.
B) These are fundamental principles and rights at work provided for in the Declaration of the International Organization of Labor (ILO) 1998, freedom of association and effective recognition of the right to bargain collective; the protection of the work environment to preserve the safety and health of workers; the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labor; the effective abolition of child labor; the elimination of discrimination in terms of employment and occupation.
C) A convention not ratified by a Member State does not oblige it to take the necessary measures to give effect to the provisions of that convention; however, due to the fundamentality of certain rights, such as the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labor and the effective abolition of child labour, all Members, regardless of ratification, must respect them, promote them and make them a reality, simply because they belong to the International Labor Organization (ILO).
D) Convention 182 of the International Labor Organization (ILO) includes among the worst forms of child labor labor which, by its nature or by the conditions in which it is carried out, is likely to harm the health, safety or morals of the kids.
Resolution
Alternative A. Once ratified, an ILO convention must be put into practice by all member states, irrespective of their assent to such a document.
Question 2 - (Unilavras 2018) Ratified by Brazil, Convention 148 of the International Labor Organization (ILO), approved in Geneva in 1977 and promulgated by Decree No. 43,413, of 10/15/1986, concerns
A) the protection of workers against occupational hazards due to air contamination, noise and vibrations in the workplace.
B) the prevention and control of heat and humidity to which the agents are exposed.
C) the prevention of industrial accidents related to monotony.
D) the prevention and control of accident risks due to excessive workload.
Resolution
Alternative A. ILO Convention 148 deals with air contamination, noise and vibrations in workplaces, in order to minimize their impacts on workers' health.
Image credits
[1] ILO / commons
[2] Brenda Rocha / Shutterstock
By Attila Matthias
Geography teacher
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/brasil/organizacao-internacional-do-trabalho-oit.htm
