The 112th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) took place in Geneva, from June 3rd to 14th, 2024. This year's conference has drawn delegates from the ILO’s 187 member states, including representatives of workers, employers, and governments, as well as social partners to address several critical issues affecting the global labour market. Ms. Jacqueline Mugo, EBS Executive Director and CEO, FKE and President International Organization of Employers (IOE) represented employers both in Africa and Globally.
Delegates from the member states deliberated on critical issues ranging from workers' rights in the digital age to climate-friendly employment practices. The session included the plenary discussion on the report presented by the Chairperson of the Governing Body, which outlined the achievements and challenges faced by the ILO over the past year. This was followed by a thematic report from the Director-General, entitled "Renewing the Social Contract." The Director-General’s report emphasized the need to adapt the social contract to contemporary realities, stressing the importance of inclusive social protection systems, fair wages, and equitable labor markets.
Another critical agenda was general discussion on decent work and the care economy. This discussion acknowledged the critical role of care work, often undervalued and underpaid, in sustaining economies and societies. The dialogue stressed that promoting decent work in the care economy is essential for achieving gender equality and social justice.
A significant outcome that was anticipated from this session was the potential adoption of an international labour standard on protection against biological hazards. The discussions on protection against biological hazards, has been a recurrent discussion on the strategic objective of fundamental principles and rights at work and a general discussion on decent work and the care economy.
One of the standout achievements of this session was the unanimous adoption of the "Geneva Accord on Digital Labour Rights," a groundbreaking framework aimed at safeguarding the rights of workers in the rapidly evolving digital economy. The accord establishes guidelines for fair wages, job security, and access to social protections for workers engaged in digital platforms and remote work arrangements.
In another significant development, the ILC2024 endorsed the "Green Jobs Initiative," signaling a global commitment to promoting employment opportunities in sustainable sectors. This initiative is expected to drive investments in renewable energy, environmental conservation, and green technology, creating millions of new jobs while mitigating the impact of climate change.
Furthermore, the conference addressed challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for resilient labour markets and universal access to healthcare and social protection. Delegates reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of decent work and social justice, underscoring the role of international cooperation in building back better from the pandemic's economic disruptions.
The Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), hailed the ILC2024 as a testament to multilateralism and solidarity in addressing global labour challenges. He called upon member states to translate the conference's resolutions into concrete actions that improve the lives of workers worldwide.