Role of international labour standards in Europe

The seminar presented the standard-setting activities and supervisory mechanism of the ILO, and discussed the added value of implementation of these standards, in particular in the European region and in SMEs. Key speakers assessed the role of the ILO in Hungary and the new patterns of cooperation between the European Union and the ILO.

Mr. Laszlo Modori, Deputy State Secretary for Labour Market, emphasised that standard setting activity is the core function of the ILO. “The unique tripartite structure of the Organisation guarantees, that international labour standards are supported not only by the governments but also by social partners. The ILO standards should be relevant to all ILO countries and contribute to the improvement of workers’ and employers’ situation at global and national level.”- he continued.

Mr Modori also talked about the measures facilitating the reconciliation of work and family life in Hungary and highlighted that the Hungarian government recognizes the important role of small and medium size enterprises in job creation and pays special attention to support their growth and development.

The seminar was addressed by Ms Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, Director of the International Labour Standards Department of the ILO and by Mr Heinz Koller, Director of ILO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia.

Ms Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, Director of the ILO International Labour Standards Department emphasized that the ratification and effective implementation of ILO Conventions contributes to better governance of the world of work.

“International labour standards are sometimes perceived as a costly burden on economic development. However, research indicates that compliance with these standards is often followed by improvements in productivity and economic performance. Safety standards reduce accidents and health care costs and improve productivity while investment in vocational training can result in better-trained and more motivated workforce.”- Ms Doumbia-Henry said. She also mentioned that putting into practice freedom of association and collective bargaining can reduce labour conflicts and promote better labour management as well as enhanced consultation between workers’ representatives and employers.

Finally, Ms Doumbia-Henry also reviewed the recent comments of the ILO Committee of Experts relating to Hungary and referred to the importance of a constructive dialogue to improve the implementation of ratified conventions in law and practice.

Mr Koller highlighted the ILO’s interest in the programme of Mr Jean-Claude Juncker, the President-elect of the European Commission who will take his position on 1 November. “Mr Junker’s Agenda for Jobs, Growth, Fairness and Democratic Change is in line with the ILO’s mandate and the ILO Oslo Declaration in several points, particularly in regards to job creation measures - for instance, in infrastructure, in education, research and innovation as well as in renewable energy and energy efficiency.”

Speaking about Europe, Mr Koller stressed that youth employment, improvement of working conditions, social dialogue, and creating sustainable enterprises will remain the ILO’s priorities in the region. He emphasised the importance of the ILO Budapest Office and praised the good relationship and cooperation the ILO has with the Hungarian government and social partners. He confirmed the ILO''''''''s commitment to maintain its office in Budapest in the future.

Mr Koller also cited several examples of successful cooperation between the ILO and EU in a round table with participation of Mr Thomas Bender, Head of Unit of External Relations, Neighbourhood Policy, Enlargement and IPA of the European Commission.

Mr Bender highlighted that the European Union actively advocates fundamental rights at work and promotes the ratification and effective implementation of ILO conventions in EU member states, but also in candidate, neighbouring and partner countries. Commitments in this field, in particular regarding core labour standards are part of trade and other international agreements concluded between the EU and third countries.

Referring to successful cooperations between the ILO and EU, Mr Bender mentioned Bangladesh, where the EU and the ILO work jointly for improved labour rights, factory safety and responsible business conduct, together with the government of Bangaldesh and the US and in close cooperation with other stakeholders.

“The Government of Hungary has been hosting the ILO sub-regional office for over twenty years, and we are very grateful for this support.” - said Mr Antonio Graziosi, Director of the ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team and Country Office for Central and Eastern Europe. ”The ILO is ready to contribute to the policy dialogue in the European Union, and to support national efforts for sustainable economic and social recovery in EU member countries, starting with Hungary” - he added.

Finally, representatives of Hungarian government, employers’ and workers’ organisations highlighted the important role the ILO plays in Hungary in capacity building of social partners and in the promotion of employment, social dialogue, and social protection. They emphasized their good cooperation with the ILO Budapest office. They agreed that sharing good practices is an important role of the ILO and it could be very helpful for member states in the future as well.