Introduction

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is one of the oldest and most important specialized
agencies of the United Nations. It was founded in 1919 under the Treaty of Versailles, following World War
I, and became the first specialized agency of the UN in 1946. The ILO was established with the goal of
promoting social justice, labor rights, and decent work conditions globally. Its uniqueness lies in its
tripartite structure, which brings together governments, employers, and workers to formulate policies and
programs that improve working conditions and labor standards.

Composition of the ILO

The ILO has a distinctive tripartite composition, unlike most other international organizations. Its structure
includes:

A. International Labour Conference (ILC) – Also known as the “Parliament of Labour,” this is the
ILO’s supreme body and meets annually. Each member state sends four delegates: two from the
government, one from the employers, and one from the workers. The ILC adopts international labor
standards (conventions and recommendations), reviews the implementation of existing standards, and
sets the organization's agenda.
B. Governing Body – This is the executive council of the ILO, responsible for making policy decisions,
preparing the agenda for the ILC, and overseeing the Office’s work. It meets three times a year and
consists of 56 members: 28 government representatives, 14 employers, and 14 workers.
C. International Labour Office – This is the permanent secretariat of the ILO, based in Geneva,
Switzerland. It carries out the day-to-day work of the organization under the leadership of a Director-
General. The Office conducts research, provides technical assistance, and monitors the implementation
of labor standards.

The tripartite structure ensures a balance of perspectives in decision-making and distinguishes the ILO
from other UN agencies that involve only government representation.

Functions of the ILO

The primary functions of the ILO revolve around improving working conditions, promoting rights at work,
and fostering social dialogue. Key functions include:

a) Formulation of International Labour Standards – The ILO drafts and adopts conventions and
recommendations that member states are encouraged to ratify and implement. These cover a wide range
of issues including forced labor, child labor, collective bargaining, minimum wage, and workplace
safety.
b) Monitoring and Supervision – The ILO monitors the implementation of its conventions by member
states through regular reporting mechanisms. It also has a complaints procedure to address violations of
labor rights.
c) Technical Assistance – The organization provides support to countries for labor law reform, institution
building, training, and the promotion of employment and decent work.
d) Research and Data Collection – Through the International Labour Office, the ILO collects and
publishes labor statistics and conducts research on global employment trends and working conditions.
e) Promotion of Social Dialogue – The ILO encourages cooperation between governments, employers,
and workers through social dialogue, which is essential for building consensus and addressing labor
market challenges.
f) Capacity Building and Education – Through institutions like the International Training Centre
(ITC) in Turin, Italy, the ILO conducts workshops and training programs for labor administrators and
professionals.
Major Achievements of the ILO

 Adoption of Core Conventions – The ILO has adopted 190 conventions and 206 recommendations.
Among these, eight core conventions are considered fundamental to labor rights, including:

I. Convention No. 87 on Freedom of Association

II. Convention No. 98 on Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining
III. Convention No. 29 and 105 on Forced Labor
IV. Convention No. 138 and 182 on Child Labour
V. Convention No. 100 and 111 on Discrimination in Employment

 Abolition of Child and Forced Labor – The ILO’s global campaigns have significantly contributed to
reducing child labor and forced labor, particularly through Convention No. 182 on the Worst Forms of
Child Labour.
 Improving Workplace Safety – Through its work on occupational health and safety standards, the ILO
has helped many countries adopt safer work environments.
 Decent Work Agenda – Launched in 1999, this initiative focuses on employment creation, social
protection, rights at work, and social dialogue. It forms the basis of labor-related elements in the UN
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 8).
 Global Reports and Research – The ILO’s research, including the World Employment and Social
Outlook, informs policymaking and tracks progress on decent work globally.
 Nobel Peace Prize (1969) – The ILO was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts in improving
peace among classes, pursuing decent work, and advancing labor justice.

Relationship with India

India has had a long and active relationship with the ILO. It was a founding member of the organization in
1919 and has since played an important role in shaping ILO policy. India’s engagement with the ILO is
reflected in its regular participation in conferences, active contributions to labor standard-setting, and the
implementation of conventions.

 Tripartite Representation – India has a well-established tripartite mechanism, with representatives

from the Ministry of Labour, employer associations like FICCI, and major trade unions like INTUC and
AITUC participating in ILO activities.
 Conventions Ratified – India has ratified 47 ILO conventions, including four of the eight core
conventions. For example:

I. Convention No. 100 (Equal Remuneration)

II. Convention No. 111 (Discrimination)
III. Convention No. 138 (Minimum Age)
IV. Convention No. 182 (Worst Forms of Child Labour)

 Labor Law Reforms – Many Indian labor laws are influenced by ILO standards. The recent
codification of labor laws into four major codes (Wages, Industrial Relations, Social Security, and
Occupational Safety) reflect the ILO’s guidance on simplification and modernization.
 Technical Cooperation – The ILO provides India with technical assistance in areas such as elimination
of child labor, skill development, and promotion of gender equality at work. The International
Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC) has been especially active in India.
 Regional Engagement – India hosts an ILO sub-regional office in New Delhi, which covers South Asia
and facilitates regional cooperation on labor standards and employment issues.
 Judicial References – Indian courts, especially the Supreme Court, have referred to ILO conventions
in labor-related judgments. In People’s Union for Democratic Rights v. Union of India (1982), the
Court cited ILO standards to uphold labor protections for workers employed in Asiad construction
projects.