LABOR ADVOCACY GROUP

HIV/AIDS

In a relatively short period, the pandemic of HIV/AIDS has become one the most critical workplace issues in our time. In addition to the epidemic’s devastating impact on these women and men and their families, it affects the world of work in many ways. For example, discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS threatens fundamental rights at work, undermining opportunities for people to obtain decent employment. Following consultations among governments, employers and workers, the ILO in 2001 adopted a Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the World of Work. The pioneering Code is designed to help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS while managing and mitigating its workplace impact. Among the Code’s key principles are non-discrimination, gender equality, a healthy working environment, no HIV testing for purposes of employment, confidentiality and the continuation of the employment relationship. Increasingly, the code is serving as a reference point for employers and trade unions negotiating agreements on handling HIV/AIDS in the world of work.
http://www.ilo.org/global/topics/hiv-aids/lang--en/index.htm

Green jobs

The promotion of Green Jobs is central in the transition towards a greener economy. Climate change and the excessive use of scarce resources are calling for proactive policies to respond timely and avert the worse and create pathways to sustainable development - with decent work for all. But the much needed innovative strategies can only succeed with the full engagement of enterprises and workers.

The ILO agenda for Green Jobs promotes a socially fair transition, in which vulnerabilities, changes in the labour market and new business models are addressed through an inclusive social dialogue.

Green jobs help reducing negative environmental impact, ultimately leading to environmentally, economically and socially sustainable enterprises and economies. In practical terms, green jobs contribute to:
reduction of energy consumption and use of raw materials
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
minimization of waste and pollution
protection of ecosystems
Green jobs can be created in all sectors and types of enterprises, in urban and rural areas, and in countries at all levels of economic development.

Seeking the full involvement of its constituents, the ILO Green Jobs Programme operates globally providing policy guidance through participation in international debates, country assessment and policy advice, technical assistance and capacity building.
More information on the ILO Green Jobs programme: http://www.ilo.org/global/topics/green-jobs/lang--en/index.htm

Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining

The right of workers and employers to form and join organizations of their own choosing is an integral part of a free and open society. In many cases, these organizations have played a significant role in their countries’ democratic transformation. From advising governments on labour legislation to providing education and training for trade unions and employer groups, the ILO is regularly engaged in promoting freedom of association. The ILO’s Committee on Freedom of Association was set up in 1951 to examine violations of workers’ and employers’ organizing rights. The committee is tripartite and handles complaints in ILO Member States whether or not they have ratified freedom of association conventions. Through the Committee on Freedom of Association and other supervisory mechanisms, the ILO has frequently defended rights of trade unions and employers’ organizations.

Source:
http://www.ilo.org/global/topics/freedom-of-association-and-the-right-to-collective-bargaining/lang--en/index.htm