International Labour Organization Research Articles

Realigning Social Protection Across the Nexus: Reflections from Protracted Crises in the Arab Region

Humanitarian emergencies are increasingly protracted and characterised by multiple compounding crises. International social security standards provide a roadmap for building national social protection systems. In the Arab States region, the International Labour Organization has been critically assessing how to apply these standards across the humanitarian, development, and peace nexus when countries face protracted crises. This article presents case studies in four countries: Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. It addresses questions on how to strengthen humanitarian–development transitions using international standards, where entry points exist or challenges remain, and how these transitions may contribute to strengthening peace through social cohesion.

How can we measure labour exploitation and develop interventions to protect migrant workers’ health? Insights from intervention-focused research on cattle ranching in Brazil and child domestic work in Liberia and Nigeria

Abstract Much of our food and services rely on the work of migrants, which is often carried out under exploitative terms. Exploitative work results in work-related injuries and illnesses and mental ill-health. Yet, the global health community has been negligent in detecting migrant workers in the general population, and in measuring the effects of their work terms on their health. For instance, the International Labour Organization’s global labour force and forced labour surveys capture few health data. Conversely, health surveys, such as the Demographics and Health Survey (DHS), include few questions on exploitative and hazardous work conditions or aspects of migration status. Studies are even more remiss when it comes to developing evidence for work-related health interventions. This presentation will draw on two recent mixed-methods studies - on cattle ranching in the Amazon region of Brazil (Pará State) (n = 1,241), and on child domestic work in Liberia (n = 1,088) and Nigeria (n = 1,088). Findings suggest some necessary improvements to the measurement of migrant labour exploitation and its health effects, and approaches to gathering intervention-focused evidence. Each study highlights the value of re-thinking data collection beyond disciplinary silos and narrow dichotomous measures (e.g., forced/unforced labour), towards generating a more specific understanding of the different dimensions of labour exploitation (e.g., pay conditions, hours, occupational health and safety training and PPE), various types of associated harm, and how they compare across sectors and contexts. Further, each study demonstrates the benefits of intervention-focused research methods that are designed to feed directly into participatory intervention development processes. On this basis, we will suggest shifts in measurement and research designs to foster operationalizable evidence on migrant workers’ working conditions, health, and worker-informed interventions.

Women’s entrepreneurship in the informal economy: A socio-spatial perspective

What role does ‘space’ play in shaping entrepreneurial choices? Much of the western-centric evidence offers abstract models of spatial dynamics, reflecting socio-cultural assumptions about entrepreneurship and the need to fix ‘women’s deficits’, within formal representations of space. We problematize these views by focusing on the everyday realities of women involved in (informal) entrepreneurial activities in a developing country context, exploring their contradictions with the abstract representations of the informal economy and the development policy goals of reforming women’s work through formalization. Based on Lefebvre’s conceptualization of space to explore these contradictions, we draw on empirical data from entrepreneurs in the informal economy in Nepal, where the International Labour Organisation reports that almost 85% of the economically active population to be in informal employment. We offer an entrepreneurial narrative that focuses on women’s work on the maintenance of local attachments and connections, underpinned by reciprocity, moral obligation and indebtedness often appropriated or disrupted by development strategies. By placing emphasis on informal spatial dynamics, we provide empirical support for the limitations of a policy approach that renders women’s work invisible through its homogenizing economic focus, to contribute towards a richer theorization of entrepreneurial contexts.

COVID-19 and Health-care Business Continuity in Africa: Perceptions of Risks and Vulnerabilities by Mid-level Management Staff in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

The novel SARS-CoV-2 outbreak disrupted businesses globally and created fears in the general public and among health-care professionals. Almost universally, considerations about the coronavirus pandemic and its effects became priority in the daily operations of businesses, leaving hitherto pressing concerns in the back stage. Early in the pandemic, the management of University of Benin Teaching Hospital set up a Business Continuity Team which undertook an evaluation of the perceptions of mid-level hospital managers about their departments' and units' risks and vulnerabilities in the face of the ongoing pandemic. A modified International Labour Organization (ILO) risk profile self-assessment tool which focused on "people," "processes," "profits," and "partnerships" was used to assess mid-level managers' perceptions of their respective departments' and units' risks and vulnerabilities, consequent on the COVID-19 pandemic. Responses were obtained from heads of departments and units using an online survey. Final scores were divided into terciles (three equal groups) in respect of perceived risks and adverse outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic. Scores in the lower tercile were grouped as low risk/vulnerability, the middle group of scores as medium risk/vulnerability, and scores in the upper tercile as high risk/vulnerability. Responses were obtained from 35 (49.3%) of the 71 clinical and nonclinical departments and units in the hospital. Fifteen of these (42.9%) were clinical. Nineteen (54.2%) departments were assessed to be at high risk/vulnerability, 9 (47.4%) of which were clinical. Twelve (34.3%) departments were assessed to be at medium risk/vulnerability - 4 (33.3%) of them, clinical. No department was assessed to be at low risk. The highest risk ratings were in the domains of "profits" and "partnerships:" 54 (84.4%) mid-level managers assessed their departments and units to be at high risk of the negative impacts of the coronavirus pandemic with respect to "profits" and 51 (79.7%) with respect to "partnerships." Mid-level managers in clinical and nonclinical departments and units assessed their departments and units to be at medium and high risk of the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, using the ILO's modified tool. Our findings enabled the management of the hospital and the Business Continuity Team to address the specific areas of concerns that were highlighted, develop contingency plans, and frame risk communication during the pandemic, with a view to fostering increased sense of safety in the workforce. This approach to risk assessment is repeatable, and we recommended it to other hospitals in Africa.

Impact Level of Post-COVID-19 Burnout Syndrome in a University in Southeastern Mexico

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the level of impact of post-COVID-19 Burnout Syndrome in the Faculty of Accounting and Administration at a university in Southeastern Mexico. Theoretical Framework: A diagnosis of post-COVID-19 stress levels and their relationship with tutoring activities in the teaching-learning process is designed and developed, highlighting the importance of mental health as established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). Method: The universe for this research will be one of the university’s affiliated centers. The methodology will be descriptive, using a questionnaire to measure three important aspects: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. Results and Discussion: The results revealed high levels of emotional exhaustion in both students and tutors, as well as elevated levels of depersonalization. Lastly, most of the evaluated population shows low levels of personal accomplishment. Based on these results, it is suggested to implement actions for the tutorial action plan to prevent stress-related situations like those associated with Burnout Syndrome. Research Implications: This study presents a positive perspective, providing an opportunity to help students adapt to new situations, while tutors remain alert and motivated to prevent dangers such as chronic stress, depression, and suicide. Tutorial action is oriented towards providing the necessary attention to students during their academic journey, enabling them to achieve adequate academic performance. Originality/Value: This article offers an innovative perspective on burnout syndrome in the university environment. The uniqueness of this work lies in its diagnostic approach, which not only reveals the manifestations of burnout through attitudes, emotions, and beliefs, but also emphasizes the importance of early intervention.

Decent work deficit in India: Deterioration and determinants

Abstract India is being projected internationally as a country of good growth and good governance, which in turn, it is asserted, should lead to prosperity for its people, especially in terms of proper employment, income, and overall standard of living. Drawing on certain dimensions of decent work proposed by International Labour Organization to measure the quality of employment in India, this article explores how far the notions of good/high growth and good governance discourse are corroborated by the evidence of good quality employment in India. The study is based on the nationally representative unit/individual-level data published by the Government of India during the three periods 2009–10, 2018–19, and 2022–23. The main findings of analysis are: (a) the overall quality of employment in India is poor and stagnant or deteriorating, and (b) the macro-level (sub-national state-level) aspects, such as the overall volume of economic activities, the extent of quality governance, the flexibility of business regulatory environment and better labour law-related compliance, have had a significant negative influence on the quality of employment. Thus, this paper suggests that the very policy environment and the pattern of economic growth have put a drag on the quality of employment in India. Given this, we suggest a variety of countervailing policy options and emphasise the role of civil society and politics.

Evaluating Employability Skills Integration in a Citizenship Education Textbook

The International Labour Organization (ILO) generated a strategic plan for skills and lifelong learning from 2022 to 2030, aiming to improve students’ access to future jobs. One of the target goals of the ILO's plan was to ensure that educational programs meet the changing needs of labour markets. Therefore, there is a rising need to assess whether teaching programmes can prepare learners for the requirements of future jobs. In this study, we investigate how employability skills are integrated in teaching resources. For this purpose, 54 learning activities from a Grade 6 Citizenship Education textbook in Bahrain were analysed using 56 predefined codes elaborated by the Conference Board of Canada in a document that was developed by the Corporate Council on Education, a program of the National Business and Education Centre since 2000. This study employs quantitative analysis, including Pearson correlation coefficients and regression analysis to evaluate the integration of employability skills in the learning activities using three major factors: Fundamental Skills (FS), Personal Management Skills (PMS) and Teamwork Skills (TS). The results show that Fundamental Skills (Mean = 3.87, Standard Deviation = 1.26) are well integrated, whereas Personal Management Skills (Mean= 3.17, Standard Deviation = 1.54) demonstrate moderate integration with notable variations. In contrast, Teamwork Skills display a low level of integration (Mean = 1.02 Standard Deviation = 1.88). The correlation analysis confirms a relationship (r = 0.615, p < 0.01) between FS and PMS but shows insignificant correlations between TS and the other skill sets. These findings highlight a critical gap in teamwork skill integration and suggest a need for increased focus on teamwork in educational materials, while recommending further research to focus on expanding the sample size, incorporating more qualitative analyses, and exploring effective strategies for integrating employability skills into educational resources.

The role of collective interest representatives in enforcing EU labour rights

This article explores the role of collective interest representatives (CIR) in the enforcement of EU labour rights. To that end, the article starts with an analysis of the regulation of CIR in other fields of EU law, particularly consumer protection law and non-discrimination law. The analysis follows the approach of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in cases on the legal standing of actors to enforce EU rights, namely, by defining first the protective scope as a matter of Union law itself based on a textual and teleological analysis and, second, the margin of discretion left to Member States to exercise their own procedural autonomy, including the possibility for Member States to determine locus standi according to their own legal systems. The article continues with drawing inspiration from forms of CIR in international and transnational law, particularly the collective complaints procedure of the European Social Charter (ESC), the representation procedure of the International Labour Organization, and the specific instances of the National Contact Points of the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (NCP OECD). The article concludes with an assessment of the acceptance of CIR in the enforcement of (EU) labour rights from a substantive perspective and elaborates on the possible tasks, requirements, and powers of CIR in enforcing EU labour rights.

Research progress on the association between occupational dust and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has become a global public health problem. Risk factors for COPD include smoking, occupational dust, air pollutants, and genetic, developmental, and social factors. The list of occupational diseases of the International Labour Organization, the European Union and Taiwan, China all includes COPD caused by occupational dust. At present, there is no diagnostic standard for COPD caused by occupational dust in the mainland of China. In order to promote the full protection of workers' rights and interests and better prevent occupational COPD, this paper reviewed the association between occupational dust and COPD, so as to draw public attention to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused by occupational dust.

Can COVID-19 infection be considered an occupational disease or injury? Analysis to fill up regulatory gaps.

Although the pandemic is nearing its end, the question of whether COVID-19 infection will be considered a work-related or occupational disease remains a legal issue. Therefore, this study aims to provide clarification on this matter. Since the International Labour Organization (ILO) serves as the primary authority on work-related matters, this study is focused on analyzing the ILO's policies regarding the acknowledgment of COVID-19 infections as occupational diseases. It also investigates how States can recognize COVID-19 as such a disease while delving into the connection between the disease or injury and the occupation itself. This study utilizes a doctrinal methodology, focusing on legal research. This approach employs an applied (expository) research method and discusses the topic from a professional constituency perspective, as proposed by Arthurs in 1983. The findings indicate that the ILO does not explicitly mention the pandemic or COVID-19 infection as an occupational disease in its list. However, it does include "infectious-related diseases" or "work that carries a particular risk of contamination" as occupational or work-related diseases, which can logically be interpreted as encompassing COVID-19 infection as an occupational or work-related disease. As the ILO sets guiding principles for its member States, this study recommends that the ILO should establish clear and comprehensive guidelines for member States to recognize COVID-19 infections or any future pandemics as occupational diseases. This study will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers who intend to enact or amend national legislation to align with the ILO. Furthermore, it will assist relevant stakeholders in taking necessary actions based on the study's findings.

Making social protection a reality for people with TB: a perspective on new global guidance.

TB disproportionately affects poorer, vulnerable people and communities, and has severe social and economic impacts on those affected. However, many countries do not yet include social protection in their programmatic response to TB. Here, we provide a critical perspective on the guidance developed by the WHO and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to help countries implement social protection programmes. The guidance emphasises the need for a multisectoral response to TB, and includes practical information on how to design appropriate social protection programmes that respond to the needs of people affected by TB.

Access to health and rights of children in street situations and working children: a scoping review

BackgroundStreet and working children (SWC) and young people (YP) are highly vulnerable to violence, exploitation, hazardous environments and human rights violations. While the UN Committee on the Rights of the...

Empirical research on decent work and precarious work for semi-skilled and unskilled blue-collar workers: A scoping review

Recognising that many workers worldwide often face poverty and exploitation, the International Labour Organisation aims to promote decent and productive work opportunities for all. We conducted a scoping review to get an overall view of current academic literature on decent work and precarious work for samples of blue-collar workers. The studies included in this review, focused on empirical research conducted from 2006 onwards, that primarily investigated decent work or precarious work among semi-skilled and unskilled manual workers. The review team used a data-charting form and collected information from thirty-five articles. Most recent studies (2020–2023) were related to the experiences and livelihoods of non-traditional blue-collar workers namely platform drivers and informal waste pickers. Before 2020, the most commonly studied theme related to the experiences of migrant workers. The findings shed light on the experiences of these workers, particularly in South Africa and India and provide valuable insight into their work experiences for further discussion.

RETURNING TO THE PUBLICATION OF DOCTOR OF JURIDICAL SCIENCES, PROFESSOR M.A. SARSEMBAYEV «THE NEED TO IMPROVE STANDARDS OF ILO CONVENTIONS AND THE KAZAKHSTAN LABOR LAW»

This article analyzes the article by Professor M.A. Sarsembayev on the topic «The need to improve standards of ILO conventions and the Kazakhstan labor law», which was published in the Bulletin of the Institute of Legislation and Legal Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 2 (47) in 2017. In the article Professor M.A. Sarsembayev focuses on the International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions, including the e Convention on Equal treatment and equal opportunities for men and women workers: workers with family responsibilities, adopted in Geneva on the 67-th session of the ILO General Conference on 23 June 1981, the Convention on the Protection of Wages, adopted in Geneva on 32-th session of the General conference of the ILO 1 July 1949, and the ILO Convention on the Minimum Wage Fixing Machinery by 16 June 1928, which are ratified by the Republic of Kazakhstan, with the aim of improving the norms of national labor legislation. The author also identifies shortcomings in these conventions and provides recommendations (translations, new formulations, additional articles, and terms) for their improvement, emphasizing that Kazakhstan, as a party to these conventions, can make proposals for their enhancement through the ILO’s Bureau of Labor Administration. The article also addresses the issue of accession to conventions such as the Convention on Minimum Standards of Social Security (No. 102), the Convention on the Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining in Agriculture (No. 11), the Convention on Compensation for Workmen in Agriculture (No. 12), and the Convention on Medical Care and Sickness Benefits for Workmen in Agriculture (No. 25), considering their significance for the national legal system of Kazakhstan.

Community-based tourism homestay model: a study in Lao Cai Province, Vietnam

Since the development of homestays, the lives of people in the villages offering this service have significantly improved. Ethnic minorities have recognized the importance of their cultural heritage in the process of tourism development in their villages. Several new community-based tourism sites, such as Ta Van Chu (Bac Ha district), Cat Cat (Sa Pa town), and Cao Son (Muong Khuong district), have been established and proven effective. On average, the number of tourists visiting Lao Cai province exceeds one million each year. Besides generating income, the homestay model has created an environment for the revival and development of certain traditional crafts of ethnic minorities in Lao Cai. Many national and international organizations have helped localities in the province to "revitalize" some traditional industries. For example, Craft Link has supported the Dao ethnic people (Ta Phin commune) and the Mong ethnic people (Hoang Lien commune, Sa Pa town) in developing the Brocade Club, creating jobs for nearly 100 Mong and Dao women. The International Labour Organization, in collaboration with the Vietnam Institute for Rural Crafts Development, has supported the establishment of five pilot craft models serving tourism in Sa Pa, providing direct employment for over 100 ethnic minority households. Keywords: Homestay, Community-based tourism, Tourism.

Furthering decent work by expanding the role of occupational safety and health.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations (UN) have promoted the concept of decent work as a Sustainable Development Goal for 2030 to address critical global problems. Occupational safety and health (OSH) are components of decent work, primarily through the ILO social protection objective of the goal, and are linked to various other objectives. This Commentary applies a previously published staging framework to stimulate thinking about how the OSH field can contribute further to the achievement of decent work. To advance the contribution of the framework, the different functions of OSH (research, practice, advocacy, governance, and professional education) were used to identify impediments to achieving decent work and develop recommendations for each determinant in the framework. Promoting and achieving decent work are complex issues that require a multifactorial approach. Numerous recommendations supporting systems thinking and transdisciplinary approaches are provided. The OSH field can expand to further address decent work.

THE UNSEEN GUARDIANS OF LAND: INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL LAW AND THE PATHWAY TO SUSTAINABLE COEXISTENCE

Indigenous communities have since long been stewards of the land, possessing a deep understanding of their local ecosystems and practicing sustainable ways of resource management. However, their role as unseen guardians of the environment is often overlooked by mainstream society. This article delves into the crucial role of indigenous communities in environmental stewardship and explores how integrating indigenous knowledge with contemporary environmental law can pave the way for sustainable coexistence between humans and nature. Key legal instruments, such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 169 and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous people (UNDRIP), recognize Indigenous rights, yet inconsistent implementation continues to pose challenges. This paper examines the global significance of Indigenous-managed lands, which cover 22% of the Earth’s surface, and how international agreements, like the Paris Climate Accord, acknowledge their contribution to environmental preservation. National legal frameworks, such as India’s Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, and the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996, highlight both opportunities and obstacles for Indigenous communities in protecting their lands. Case studies from Yellowstone National Park (USA), the Amazon Rainforest (Brazil), and the Great Bear Rainforest (Canada) are explored to demonstrate the successes and ongoing struggles in collaborative conservation initiatives. The paper argues that environmental laws must respect Indigenous sovereignty, safeguard their traditional lands, and incorporate Indigenous knowledge systems. By emphasizing the importance of legal reforms and environmental justice, this research advocates for inclusive decision-making processes that ensure Indigenous communities can actively participate in sustainable coexistence efforts. Overall, the paper concludes that empowering Indigenous communities through stronger legal protections and collaborative conservation strategies is crucial for both environmental sustainability and cultural preservation.

Beyond profit: A model framework for ethical and feasible private prison labour

In response to increased interest from states and companies as well as momentum on the issue of private prison labour in the past few decades, this article offers a comprehensive model framework aimed at reconciling profit-driven objectives with prisoner rehabilitation. The article addresses the debate surrounding prison labour for private for-profit entities and proposes a model that attempts to remedy some of the issues and criticisms that arise from the practice. Drawing on the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) of the International Labour Organisation, the framework integrates certain provisions from the standard, emphasising public supervision, consent and labour guarantees. Equally, it tries to address concerns of unfair competition and job displacement while promoting ‘meaningful' work and encouraging post-release employment of prisoners. Recognising the need for some practical feasibility and in a bid to shift the incentives for private entities to employ prisoners, from ‘cheap’ labour to fairer work practices, the model argues that other benefits such as tax breaks or subsidies may help align private and rehabilitative goals. As governments have turned to the private sector to increase work opportunities for prisoners, this paper argues that a more equitable and rehabilitative approach should follow, representative of societal values.

Phenomenological Insights on Decent Work and Its Relevance to Local Economic Development

The concept of decent work has few explanatory references and comparative descriptions due to limited research. So far, the concept of decent work only refers to standards and concepts issued by the International Labor Organization (ILO). Meanwhile, the Local Economic Development (LED) approach is an alternative strategy that prioritizes local aspects and resources for effective development. The research method chosen in this research is the phenomenological method. The phenomenological method explores human experiences (people’s lived experiences). This is in line with the concept of decent work and local economic development, which is highly influenced by the opinions and narratives described by the community, in this case, the research participants. This research explains the concept of decent work and local economic development based on the conditions of Banjarmasin City. It generated five explanatory clusters in this research. Cluster of general perspectives and specific perspectives related to the concept of decent work. The general perspective is that decent work should meet minimum standards and protect workers’ rights. While a specific perspective emphasizes subjectivity in viewing various decent work concepts. The other three clusters were formed from the exploration of the concept of local economic development, such as the challenge cluster, the opportunity cluster, and the relationship cluster between the concept of local economic development and decent work. These three clusters emphasize that the development concept requires comprehensive planning. Development faces challenges, such as insufficient government support, uncooperative communities, and disinterest among local people, but there are opportunities to boost local economies and improve work decency and conditions.

Health Insurance, Medicine, and Society in Taiwan: Chinese Authoritarianism, Taiwanese Ethnicities, and Global Actuarial Science

This article explores the history of the Chinese Nationalist Party (Kuomintang KMT) government’s expansion of health insurance in Taiwan from 1950 to the 2010s through the lens of ethnicity, politics and medicine. I argue that the KMT party-state’s expansion of health insurance privileged government employees who were the core supporters of the ruling party. By comparing the history of the insurance programs for government employees and laborers, the article makes the case that KMT provided better coverage, lower premiums, and less medical gatekeeping for Chinese waisheng government employees who fled to Taiwan with the KMT than for ordinary Taiwanese bensheng laborers. Global actuarial science experts from the United Nations International Labor Organization also buttressed such a discriminatory process. This China-centered approach towards universalizing healthcare on the island became increasingly challenged by provincial legislators, labor activists, and the emerging political opposition that promoted local Taiwanese concerns on healthcare equity and access. This article concludes that this dual process of KMT’s population management and leveraging of United Nations actuarial expertise as the Republic of China became symbolic of the bio-geopolitics that animated the history and development of health insurance in Taiwan.