ILO has an important role in strengthening the social dimension of globalisation

Marjaana Valkonen’s speech at the ILO Conference

Ms Marjaana Valkonen
Monday 18th June 2001
Worker’s Delegate, Finland

89th Session of the International Labour Conference

The Director-General s Report “Reducing Work Deficit: A Global Challenge” is very important and comprehensive. It is easy to agree with the numerous speakers who have spoken highly of it at this Conference. The Report opens up entirely new perspectives for developing the work of the ILO. At the same time, it sets new challenges to all of the parties involved. In the last few years, the ILO’s activities have made positive progress, and the prestige enjoyed by the Organization within the international community has been consolidated. But of course, we cannot settle for good goals alone. We also need the commitment of all the parties involved, as well as strong political will.

The Director-General s Decent Work Agenda focuses on issues that are essential for underpinning justice in all parts of the world. The Declaration of Fundamental Rights at Work and its Follow-up have proved that the ILO has an important role in strengthening the social dimension of globalisation. The Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No 182) adopted two years ago, has been ratified in an exceptionally comprehensive manner. This reveals that elimination of child labour enjoys powerful support. This goal can, however, be reached only with extensive co-operation and determination.

Changes take place at an extraordinary pace, and one might well ask whether we will be able to keep up with the swiftly changing realities. Rapid development of information and communication technologies has increased inequality between regions as well as within societies. Workers are increasingly concerned about the effects of globalisation. Insecurity and anxieties concerning the future have often been manifested in demonstrations. Workers do not shun changes as such, what they fear is insecurity, marginalization and unfair treatment. The ILO has an important task in building a safer and better world of work.

It is necessary to strengthen tripartite cooperation and social dialogue in all member States. Implementation of fundamental rights at work is a necessary prerequisite of productivity, economic development, social welfare and stability. Allow me to reiterate the fact that freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are the basis of all development in the world of work.

Setting international labour standards and monitoring the implementation of these standards has always been the basis of ILO activities. Labour standards safeguarding fair treatment and security of the workers, are a major factor from the point of view of successful activities. The ILO Conventions have often been criticized, sometimes quite sharply. I would, however, like to remind you of the fact that most of the Conventions are still topical and valid. Promoting ratification of Conventions and improving monitoring mechanisms must be an integral part of the implementation of the Decent Work agenda. Standards need developing but under no circumstances must modernization weaken them.

The ILO has, over a long period of time, made significant contributions to promoting equality in the world of work. Fifty years ago the Labour Conference adopted the Equal Remuneration Convention 1951 (No. 100), which has played a significant role in promoting equality. The position of women at work is very vulnerable as many changes affect women in a particularly pronounced manner. Promoting equality is an issue that demands further contributions from the ILO. Finally, I would like to thank the Director-General Mr. Juan Somavia for his strong commitment to promoting equality.