The International Labour Organisation
Founded in 1919 to bring governments, employers and trade unions together for united action in the cause of social justice and better living conditions everywhere, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 1946 became the first specialized agency of the United Nations. It is the only intergovernmental organisation in the UN system to have a tripartite structure (its meetings, committees and conferences are attended not only by government delegates but also by delegates representing employers and workers). The ILO has 174 member States as of 1 January 1999 and the budget for the Organisation in 1998/99 is approximately US $480,000,000.
The activities of the ILO include:
- formulation of international policies and programmes to help improve working and living conditions, enhance employment opportunities and promote basic human rights;
- creation of international labour standards;
- undertaking international technical cooperation;
- conducting research and publication activities.
The activities of the Organisation are executed through three fundamental organs:
- The International Labour Conference meeting yearly discusses reports on, for example, the programme and budget, information and reports on the application of Conventions and Recommendations. It adopts new labour standards on all aspects of the conditions of work and life of workers. It is normally attended by approximately 2000 delegates and advisers from most of the ILO's member States. The delegations from each country consist of representatives from the government and workers' and employers' representatives.
- The Governing Body determines, the agenda of the Conference and directs the work of the International Labour Office. It is composed of twenty-eight Government members, fourteen Employers' and fourteen Workers' members and meets two to three times per year. The main industrial countries have a permanent seat in the Governing Body.
- The International Labour Office is the permanent secretariat of the Organisation. It executes the decisions of the Conference and the Governing Body and is staffed at headquarters by approximately 1,200 officials. In addition, up to 1,500 people work as ILO officials or as experts in more than forty Countries.
The maritime activities of the ILO
Within the Office, the Maritime Industries Branch deals with shipping, fishing, ports and inland waterway transport.
