International Labour Organization (ILO)

The International Labour Organization (ILO), the oldest specialized agency of the United Nations and the one focused on labor and workers' rights, was established in 1919 as part of the Treaty of Versailles, which ended the First World War, with the principle that “universal and lasting peace can be achieved only if it is based on social justice” to protect workers’ rights and improve working conditions worldwide. Its main objectives are to support rights at work, promote decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection, and strengthen dialogue on labor-related issues. Its headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland.

The fundamental functions of the International Labour Organization include norm setting, monitoring compliance with ILO standards in member states, cooperation with developing countries, and dissemination of information and research outcomes through place. In addition to government representatives, it includes employers’ and workers’ organizations within its structure.

Historical Development

The Philadelphia Declaration, which more strongly emphasized the objectives of the International Labour Organization, was added to the ILO Constitution in 1944. In 1946, the International Labour Organization became the first specialized agency of the newly established United Nations and remains the UN’s only tripartite organization (involving governments, workers’ organizations, and employers’ organizations). It brings together the governments, employers, and workers of 187 member states to set labor standards, develop international policies, and promote decent work. The development of the International Labour Organization has been shaped by changes during various periods;

1. Early Period: In its early years, significant important steps were taken to protect workers’ rights and establish labor standards.

2. After the Second World War: During this period, the post-Second World War reconstruction process speed gained momentum, and the effectiveness of the International Labour Organization increased.

3. Present Day: Today, the International Labour Organization is recognized as a institution for setting and supporting global labor standards through activity.

Structure

The organizational structure of the International Labour Organization has been designed to reflect tripartism and democratic governance. The ILO operates through a tripartite structure comprising government, employer, and worker representatives, which functions via the Organization’s principal bodies:

                 1. International Labour Conference: This conference, which meets annually, sets international labor standards and formulates general policies of the International Labour Organization. Each member state sends two government representatives, one worker representative, and one employer representative.

                 2. Governing Body: The Governing Body, the executive organ of the International Labour Organization, directs the organization’s activities and approves its budget. It consists of 28 government, 14 worker, and 14 employer representatives.

                 3. International Labour Office: Serving as the secretariat of the International Labour Organization, this office manages the organization’s daily operations and provides technical support. Its headquarters are in Geneva.

Mission, Objectives, and Principles

The fundamental mission and objective of the International Labour Organization is to ensure social justice and decent working conditions, with its core principles established on freedom, equality, and social on. Guided by these principles, it establishes international standards to improve working life, ensures their global implementation, and monitors compliance. It provides training programs for workers and employers to build knowledge and skills aimed at improving working conditions. Through conferences and meetings, it brings together representatives of member countries; these events are vital for the exchange of information and experience. In addition to conventions, the International Labour Organization issues various recommendations to member states. These recommendations are indicative in nature and aim to improve working conditions.

The International Labour Organization provides recommendations to member states through conventions and recommendations. These include fundamental rights related to work, such as freedom of association, collective bargaining, the elimination of forced labor, opportunity and treatment equality, and other issues concerning labor. International minimum labor standards and ILO policies are determined annually at the International Labour Conference. The Conference also hosts international forums for discussions on the status of workers worldwide and social issues. Each member state has the right to send two government representatives, one employer representative, and one worker representative to the Conference.

Labour Standards Conventions

The labor standards conventions developed by the International Labour Organization are adopted and implemented by member states.

1. Forced Labour Convention: This convention contains provisions aimed at preventing forced labor.

2. Child Labour Convention: It aims to prevent Child labor and protect children’s right to education.

3. Equal Remuneration Convention: It seeks to ensure equal pay for men and women performing the same work.

Relations with Türkiye

Türkiye, which participated as an observer in International Labour Organization Conferences since 1927, became a complete member in 1932. Since then, it has accepted and attempted to implement numerous ILO conventions. Technical cooperation with the ILO, which provided financial support for the establishment of the Institute of Occupational Health and Safety and the Near and Middle East Institute of Labour in the 1960s, continued with the child labor elimination program launched in 1992.

The project on the integration of Syrian refugees into the labor market, conducted by the International Labour Organization with Türkiye, includes broader programs on informal employment, active labor market policies, textile training, inspection and certification, and women’s employment, and is represented by a country office. As of 2015, Türkiye has ratified 59 ILO conventions, 53 of which remain in force. Türkiye has been represented on the ILO Governing Body as a noble member during 1996–1999 and 2014–2017, and as an alternate member during 2002–2005 and 2017–2020.