ABC of International Labour Standards

International labor standards are a set of guidelines and principles established by global organizations to safeguard the rights and well-being of workers worldwide. These standards aim to ensure fair and equitable treatment of workers, regardless of their location or industry. The primary organization responsible for setting and promoting these standards is the International Labour Organization (ILO), a specialized agency of the United Nations established in 1919 after World War I as part of the Treaty of Versailles. It was integrated into the United Nations just one year after the UN's creation.

The ILO's mission is dedicated to developing and upholding a system of international labor standards to create a more promising future in the world of work. It does so by anticipating transformative changes and responding to unforeseen challenges, all in pursuit of promoting social justice and safeguarding the interests of the most vulnerable members of society, including those in poverty, unemployment, and those denied fundamental rights and freedoms.

International labor standards cover a broad spectrum of labor-related issues, encompassing basic labor rights, working conditions, employment equality, social protection, employment promotion, skills development, migrant workers' rights, and the rights of indigenous and tribal peoples. These international labor standards strive to create opportunities for both men and women to secure decent and productive employment under conditions characterized by freedom, equity, security, and dignity. They are a critical component of the global economic framework, ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are distributed fairly to all.

The core conventions of the ILO which pertain to these standards fall into four categories:

• Freedom of Association and the Right to Collective Bargaining: The ILO conventions which define standards relevant to freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are: 1) Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize Convention (No. 87), 1948; 2) Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining Convention (No. 98), 1949
• Forced Labor: There are two ILO conventions which are relevant to the issue of forced labor. They are: Forced Labor Convention (No. 29), 1930 and Abolition of Forced Labor Convention (No. 105), 1957
• Child Labor: The standards relevant to child labour are covered by two ILO conventions:   Minimum Age Convention (No. 138), 1973; and Worst Forms of Child Labor Convention (No. 182), 1999
• Discrimination in Respect of Employment and Occupation: The relevant ILO conventions are: Equal Remuneration Convention (No. 100), 1951 and Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention (No. 111), 1958.

The ILO's tripartite structure, involving governments, employers, and workers' representatives, plays a vital role in shaping and implementing these standards. Member states of the ILO are expected to incorporate these international labor standards into their national legislation and policies.

While these standards are not inherently legally binding, they serve as a guiding framework for member states to develop their labor laws and policies. Violations of these standards can be subject to review and sanctions by the ILO, and they can also influence trade agreements and international relations. Ultimately, the objective is to create a global environment where workers' rights are upheld, and decent work is accessible to all.

Conclusion: International labor standards, established by the International Labour Organization ILO, serve as a critical framework to protect workers' rights and welfare worldwide, covering a range of labor-related issues. These standards, facilitated by the ILO's tripartite structure, guide member states in crafting labor laws and policies to ensure equitable treatment and opportunities for workers. While not legally binding on their own, these standards influence international relations and aim to create a global environment where workers' rights are respected, vulnerable populations are safeguarded, and the benefits of economic growth are distributed fairly. The core ILO conventions addressing freedom of association, forced labor, child labor, and discrimination form the foundation for these efforts to promote fairness and justice in the world of work.