- CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY -

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member states.The Candidate Countries the Republic of North Macedonia [1], Montenegro*, Serbia* and Albania*, and the EFTA country Norway, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Armenia align themselves with this statement. 

(support to IMEC statement)

1. The EU and its Member states thank the Office for the proposed ILO’s Strategic Plan for 2022-25. As the planning cycle is aligned with the UN cycle, the ILO Plan can contribute to and benefit from the work of the UN system, particularly the Agenda 2030.

2. The Strategic Plan has succeeded in taking into account the Centenary Declaration and the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to the global working life. We need to build back better and deliver on the SDG’s, the implementation of which is lagging severely behind.

3. The Plan rightly stresses international labour standards and tripartism as ILO’s “comparative advantages”. During the COVID-19 crisis the implementation of the labour standards appears to be a growing challenge. The proper functioning of the ILO supervisory mechanism and the Committee of the Freedom of Association are at present even more important than before the crisis and needs receiving highest priority.

4. However, we want to stress the importance of global supply chains, which should be more secure, resilient and socially just. We need the ILO to give decent work in global supply chains priority and show leadership in this field.

5. The Plan has rightly identified the groups that are hardest hit by the pandemic. Special attention is therefore required to help in the transition from informal to the formal economy, as the pandemic has increased poverty in the informal sector.

6. Gender equality is a priority for us as it is in the Centenary Declaration. Equal access to work as well as equal opportunities and rights at work are essential and include better conciliation of work and private life. Decent work in female dominated care work and services has to be ensured, while at the same time we have to fight gender stereotypes. Non-discrimination has to be promoted, including protection against violence and harassment at work on the basis of convention 190. The proposed Strategic Plan needs being reinforced in this regard.

7. Inclusive labour markets are also essential. In particular, young people and other persons in vulnerable situations are currently facing remarkable obstacles in accessing the labour market. Skills development and active labour market policy measures are adequate tools to help the groups subject to inequalities and facing particular challenges.

8. The COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated clearly the need for comprehensive social protection for all workers, including those in the informal economy, independent workers and those with diverse forms of work. These often lack the protection of labour legislation, health and safety at work, collective bargaining as well as social protection. We welcome proposals in this regard and would welcome the ILO to identify regulation gaps due to digital transformation and expanded teleworking.

9. The COVID-19 crisis has also emphasised the importance of occupational safety and health, including with regard to biological hazards. The EU and its MS appreciate that the strategic plan focusses on OSH. We believe that we need a clear pathway towards the recognition of safe and healthy working conditions as core labour standards and would wish a specific objective in this regard.

10. The EU and its MS regret that the strategic plan does not make reference to the role of the organization in addressing climate change. It should be a priority for the organisation to ensure a just transition to a future of work that contributes to sustainable development in its economic, social and environmental dimensions.

11. Together with other UN agencies, the ILO has to analyse progress towards the SDGs, including concrete and quantitative targets and how to continue to enhance them in spite of the damage caused by the pandemic. Ensuring decent work, including the fundamental principles and rights at work for all, demands much more work from all relevant actors.

12. The ILO has to be able to fulfil its mandate also during crises, as its work is then even more necessary, particularly to promote social dialogue and to reaffirm its normative function at international level. We thus welcome the planned reinforcement of the risk management and business continuity.

13. With these comments the EU and its Member States are ready to work with all involved so that we are able to reach an agreement on this important item during this Governing Body.

[1The Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.