The International Labour Conference Concludes with Adoption of New Recommendation on Quality Apprenticeships

Recent conclusions of the 111th International Labour Conference (ILC) resulted in important advancements for social justice, labour protection, and apprenticeship programmes. About 5,000 delegates from the 187 Member States of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) attended the conference, which was held from June 5 to June 16, 2023, in the UN Palais des Nations in Geneva. The conference saw the adoption of a number of significant resolutions and recommendations, underscoring the dedication to improving labour rights and building a just and inclusive workforce.

The approval of a new recommendation on high-quality apprenticeships was one of the conference’s notable accomplishments. This labour standard intends to meet the dynamic nature of the labour market and give people of all ages the chance to continuously develop their skills. In addition to providing a precise definition of apprenticeships, the guideline establishes aspirational benchmarks for high-quality apprenticeship programmes. It emphasises how crucial it is to safeguard trainees’ rights and ensure their welfare throughout the apprenticeship period.

Delegates also agreed with the General Discussion Committee on a Just Transition’s findings. The urgency of pursuing a just transition that advances social justice, ends poverty, and fosters decent work was highlighted by these findings. It was recognised that the ILO Guidelines for a Just Transition towards Environmentally Sustainable Economies and Societies provided a crucial framework for this kind of planning and activity.

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The Recurrent Discussion Committee on Labour Protection’s recommendations were likewise endorsed by the Conference. The significance of comprehensive, sufficient, and effective labour protection for all workers is emphasised in the resolution. It serves as the basis for creating a strategy to strengthen labour protection systems and guarantee the welfare of workers everywhere.

Additionally, a Belarus resolution was approved in accordance with Article 33 of the ILO Constitution. The resolution attempts to ensure compliance with the recommendations of an ILO Commission of Inquiry by the Belarusian government. The Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87), and the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98), were both subjected to scrutiny by this commission.

A major supervisory body for the ILO’s standards system, the Committee on the Application of Standards (CAS) report was also accepted during the plenary session. The ILO Conventions’ adherence was evaluated in 24 different country instances by the CAS, ensuring the promotion and enforcement of labour standards across the globe.

13 ratifications of international labour conventions were registered during the conference, particularly in relation to the conventions on occupational safety and health and the recently enacted convention against violence and harassment in the workplace (C190). These ratifications represent a dedication to promoting respectable and safe working conditions all across the world.

Additionally, the ILO Programme and Budget for 2024–2025 were approved, reiterating the commitment of the ILO’s three component parties to fight against all types of discrimination and exclusion. The resolution indicates a shared objective of supporting inclusive and equitable labour practises, but acknowledging different viewpoints on some matters.

A high-level World of Work Summit was also held as part of the conference, which was attended by 16 heads of state and government in addition to leaders from other UN and multilateral organisations, employers’ organisations, and workers’ organisations. The summit covered subjects like inequality, informality, equal chances, lifelong learning, social protection, trade advancement, sustainable development, and human and labour rights, with the theme of “Social Justice for All” serving as its main focus. Participants talked about the idea of a global coalition for social justice, which received enthusiastic backing and acknowledgment from important players.

Finally, on June 12th, the conference marked World Day Against Child Labour. Gilbert F. Houngbo, the director-general of the ILO, urged the international community to support greater social fairness and called for more measures to fight child labour.

Director-General Houngbo praised the delegates for their accomplishments and emphasised the adoption of numerous important documents during the ILC in his concluding comments. As the ILO moves forward with its mission to execute its mandate, he noted the overwhelming support for a Global Coalition for Social Justice and emphasised the need to build on this momentum.

The 111th International Labour Conference, by supporting excellent apprenticeships, equitable transitions, labour protection, and social justice, surely played a significant influence in influencing the worldwide labour scene. The approval of these resolutions and suggestions shows that everyone is dedicated to promoting fair and long-term working conditions for everyone, everywhere.