UNICE adopts position on international labour standards

In June 1998, the European employers' organisation, UNICE, adopted a position paper in which it welcomes the adoption of a declaration on fundamental human rights by the ILO. The declaration calls upon the ILO's 174 member nations to respect a number of core ILO Conventions.

At the 86th International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conference held in Geneva on 2-18 June 1998, a Declaration on fundamental principles and rights at work was adopted. The declaration states that all member countries have an obligation to respect, promote and realise the the principles underlying seven core ILO Conventions. These Conventions cover:

• freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining (Conventions Nos. 87 and 98);

• the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation (Conventions Nos. 100 and 111);

• the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour (Conventions Nos. 29 and 105); and

• the elimination of child labour (Convention No. 138).

To ensure the effective implementation of these principles, the declaration includes a follow-up mechanism to monitor progress in this area, in the form of an annual report. The declaration also commits the ILO to provide technical and financial assistance to those countries which will require additional help to implement these principles.

In a position paper issued on 15 June 1998, the Union of Industrial and Employers' Confederations of Europe (UNICE) expressed its support for the decision to develop a declaration of principles. In UNICE's view, the ILO is the most suitable body to deal with the observance of internationally recognised labour standards. It is argued that the principles inherent to the declaration mirror work and commitments undertaken by the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), to which UNICE member federations are affiliated. UNICE argues that "European business is strongly opposed to abusive exploitation of child and forced labour, and supports active promotion of the respect of basic human rights."

The ILO declaration states that it may not be used by any member country as a basis for adopting trade measures that are protectionist in nature. This position is very much in line with UNICE's comments in respect to trade and labour standards issued in 1996, when UNICE rejected the notion of introducing a "social clause" in relation to trade and investment policies, believing that it would have negative implications.

In addition, UNICE supports the work being done towards the adoption of a new ILO Convention on the elimination of the most intolerable forms of child labour (due for discussion in 1999). UNICE argues that it is vital that this work is undertaken in an international forum in order to build an adequate consensus on the most effective way to tackle the problem.

UNICE also states that many positive efforts have been made by companies to address social issues such as labour standards through the adoption of codes of conduct. However, it stresses that a code cannot be imposed or enforced by third parties, as this might damage the commitment of those responsible.

UNICE has pledged to continue to follow this debate and wishes to play an active part in contributing to progress in this area.