111th International Labour Conference - Recurrent Discussion on Labour Protection - Closing Statement – Plenary

European Union

Statement

International Labour Conference

111th session

Geneva, 5 - 16 June 2023

________

Recurrent Discussion on Labour Protection

Closing Statement – Plenary

________

Geneva, 16 June 2023

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International Labour Conference

111^th session

Geneva, 5 - 16 June 2023

Recurrent Discussion on Labour Protection

EU Closing Statement – Plenary

Thank you, Chair.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The Candidate Countries Albania*, Bosnia and Herzegovina*, the Republic of North Macedonia*, Moldova, and Montenegro*, the potential candidate country Georgia, the EFTA countries Iceland and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Armenia align themselves with this statement.

1. We warmly thank the Chair and Vice Chairs of the Recurrent Discussion Committee on Labour Protection, as well as the Office, for their tireless work over the last two weeks. We would also like to thank the interpreters and translators for their excellent efforts in facilitating our work.

2. We wish to convey our appreciation to the social partners and our fellow governments, for their constructive and engaged participation in this global dialogue, working towards achieving consensus on these conclusions.

3. Since the last recurrent discussion on labour protection in 2015, the transformations in the world of work have gained momentum with new forms of employment giving rise to new opportunities on the labour market, but also presenting new challenges, including for securing inclusive, adequate and effective labour protection for all workers.

4. We believe that the Conclusions and Resolution adopted by the Recurrent Discussion Committee represent an important step in advancing the work of the ILO and its tripartite constituents, taking into account the transformative changes in the world of work.

5. It is important that any policies on labour protection are framed in the context of the promotion, and full and effective implementation of fundamental principles and rights at work and in light of the relevant international labour standards.

6. We welcome that the importance of the equal sharing of care and family responsibilities and equal pay for work of equal value has been reaffirmed, as well as that the importance of OSH protection for pregnant and nursing women has been acknowledged. We highly appreciate that a transformative agenda for gender equality in the context of labour protection has been recognised as well as the adaptation of policies, among others those that help reskilling and upskilling, which facilitate job transitions benefiting from inclusive, adequate and effective labour protection.

7. In the context of the transformative changes impacting the world of work, it is of utmost importance to tackle mental and psychosocial risks, along with other occupational safety and health concerns.

8. Furthermore, we are looking forward to the ILO’s work on building knowledge and capacity on the impact of digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and algorithmic management on labour protection, which we believe will contribute to the constituents’ better understanding of these developments.

9. We hope that the adoption of these Conclusions in the Plenary serves to underscore the fundamental importance of developing and constantly adapting inclusive, adequate and effective labour protection systems, and allow for the achievement of decent working conditions, a safe and healthy working environment and dignity for all workers.

10. We look forward to continuing our joint work in following up on the Conclusions.

11. Thank you, Chair.

[*Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.]