The International Labour Organisation (ILO) was established in 1919 as part of the League of Nations to promote social justice and decent work. It is the only United Nations agency that survived World War II. The ILO aims to advance opportunities for women and men to obtain decent and productive work in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity. It has 183 member states and brings together governments, employers and workers representatives to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work.

1. International Labour Organisation
 Established in 1919 as a part of league of nations.
Only international body that survived even after 2nd world war.
 Becomes specialized agency of U.N.’s in 1946.
Aims at world peace through social justice.
India became original signatory member in 1919.
 Draws attention on various problems like: working conditions,
unemployment, industrial accidents, diseases, problem of women &
young persons, children etc.

2. International Labour Organisation
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It is tripartite body: representative of employer, labour &
govt.
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Till now 183 nations are member of ILO
Fundamental principles:
1. Labour is not a commodity
2. Freedom of expression & association is essential
3. Poverty act as a danger for prosperity
4. War against want requires to be carried on. Workers &
employers should enjoy equal status in free discussion

3. ROLE of ILO
• Full employment & raising standard of living
• Ensure employment, in which workers are in should
get satisfaction
• Facilities for training & transfer of labour-migration
for employment & settlement
• Policies with wages, hours & condition of work
• Effective recognition of the right of collective
bargaining
• Protection of life & health of workers
• Provision for child welfare & maternity protection
• Provision for adequate nutrition, housing
• Assurance of equality of education & vocational
opportunity.

4. Structure of ILO
ILO
International
Labour
Conference
(ILC)
Governing
Body
International
Labour
office

5. International Labour Conference
(ILC)
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Policy making/ legislative wing of ILO
Holds session once in a year
ILC elect governing body
Meetings/sessions are attended by 4 delegates
- 2 from govt. (Generally Cabinet Ministers)
- 1 representative of employee
- 1 representative of employer
• Each delegate is accompanied by advisor not
exceeding 2 in number
• Non- govt. delegates are chosen by govt.

6. International Labour Conference
(ILC)
Functions of ILC:
1. Formulate international standards (Conventions &
recommendations)
2. Decide expenditure budget
3. To make amendments
4. Consider labour problems & assist solution
5. Select once in 3 years members of governing body
6. Elect president

7. Governing Body
• It is executive wing of ILO
• It is a political body
• Implements decisions of ILC with the help of International
labour office
• It consist of 56 titular members
- 28 govt.
-14 employer
-14 employee
• Further, it consist of 66 deputy members
-28 govt.
-19 employer
-19 employee

8. Governing Body
• 10 of the titular govt. seats are permanently held by states of
chief industrial importance (Brazil, China, France, Germany,
India, Italy, Japan, U.K.,U.S., The Russian Federation)
• Generally it meets thrice in a year (March, June, November)
• Members are elected by ILC every 3 years

9. Governing Body
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Elects director-general after every 5 year
Decides agendas for ILC
Scrutinize the budget
Follow up recommendations & conventions of ILC

10. International Labour Office
• It is a focal point for activities of International Labour
Organization under the supervision of Governing Body
• It is headed by Director-General
• Its headquarter is at Geneva
• Office employs 2700 officials from over 150 nations
• Office also contains a research & documentation centre
• It is responsible to collect & distribute information of labour &
social problems

11. Functions of ILO
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Manpower organisation & Vocational training
Migrant workers
Women workers
Child workers
Social security
Conditions of work
Health, safety & welfare
Other activities- Promotion of handicraft & small industries,
worker’s education programes.