International Labour Organization Research Articles

Economic Growth and Female Participation in the Labour Market: Gender Disaggregated Data

The study aims to examine the impact of economic growth on female labour market participation in Kenya with data spanning between 1991 and 2022. Labour-force data disaggregated by gender are important to monitor the dynamic of gender inequalities in the labour market. The secondary data used to construct the time series was obtained from the World Bank and the International Labour Organization sources. The research was informed by the Feminisation U hypothesis, which describes the tendency of female labour force participation to first decline and then rise in the process of economic growth. The study used a fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) and Granger causality test to analyse the long-run effect of economic growth on women's participation in the labour market. The study results indicate that economic growth positively and significantly contributes to women’s participation in the labour market in the long run. Furthermore, the results of the control variables suggest that education has a beneficial effect on women's workforce, while women’s access to the workforce is hampered by male labour market participation, fertility rate, female self-employment and rate of urbanization. The study suggests to policymakers that the strategy to success is to facilitate education, vocational training, and social change that enable women to play the same role as men in the labour market. Finally, women must be in productive sectors and government should remove barriers to ownership of factors of production to encourage them to participate in economic activities and the labour market.

Bayesian Network Analysis of Industrial Accident Risk for Fishers on Fishing Vessels Less Than 12 m in Length

The Marine Stewardship Council estimates that approximately 38 million people worldwide work in fisheries, and more than one-third of the global population is dependent on aquatic products for protein, highlighting the importance of sustainable fisheries. The FISH Safety Foundation reports that 300 fishers die every day. To achieve sustainable fisheries as a primary industry, the safety of human resources is of the utmost importance. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO) have made efforts towards this goal, including the issuance of agreements and guidelines to reduce industrial accidents among fishing vessel workers. The criterion for applying these guidelines is usually a total ship length ≥12 m or ≥24 m. However, a vast majority of registered fishing vessels are <12 m long, and the fishers of these vessels suffer substantially more industrial accidents. Thus, we conducted a quantitative analysis of 1093 industrial accidents affecting fishers on fishing vessels <12 m in length, analyzed risk using a Bayesian network analysis (a method proposed by the Formal Safety Assessment of the IMO), and administered a questionnaire survey to a panel of experts in order to ascertain the risk for different types of industrial accidents and propose specific measures to reduce this risk.

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.

Some theoretical and practical problems of legal protection of occupational safety: national and international aspects

The academic article deals with certain issues of the theory and practice of regulatory regulation of labour protection in Ukraine. Main organisational and legal forms of occupational safety and health, as well as main tasks of labour protection management in the country, are defined. Philosophical, general scientific and special legal methods of cognition, including but not limited to formal-legal and comparative legal methods, were used for the research. It is noted that Ukraine’s health and safety situation is one of the most challenging in Europe. The authors also state that importance of the psychological climate in the workplace and its impact on the production process cannot be underestimated, so relevant measures in the context of its improvement are proposed. The article highlights certain aspects of labour protection regulation at the international legal level in general (ensured by the International Labour Organization) and at the level of the European Union in particular, as well as the impact of relevant standards on national legislation. The authors formulate proposals for improving the labour protection institute in modern economic conditions in Ukraine, including but not limited to: implementing innovative legal education and training programs focused on occupational safety and health;, creating/improving safe working conditions under martial law, including proper equipment of shelters for use during air raids; ensuring submission of a draft law on improving penalties for violations of labour protection legislation, which will increase employers’ responsibility for compliance with labour protection legislation. It is concluded that the occupational health and safety management system shall be based not only on measures taken by the state, but also on the interest of the parties to labour relations in maintaining the proper physical condition of the employee, which is inextricably linked to the economic and social well-being of the employer.

The Cosmology of Menoreh Customary Tradition in Indigenous People Perspective

The concept of indigenous peoples is a global concern in local development including by international institutions such as the International Labour Organization. One indicator of indigenous peoples is cosmological knowledge which often incorporates deep connections between the material, spiritual realms and emphasizes the connective interconnectedness between humans and nature. Its development later became an international convention to protect the existence of indigenous peoples. This research uses ethnographic methods to explore the cosmology and memorial story of Menoreh indigenous people who do not recognize the administrative boundaries of the district so that they can perform traditional ceremonies from an indigenous perspective. Menoreh’s landscape illustrates the cosmological relationship between the local market, the Baritan ceremony, and the conservation of spring sacralization, which is a sustainable customary praxis. The ritual element of the cosmological axis of social interaction leads to two concepts. First, the relationship between Menoreh (caretakers as indigenous actors) and pilgrims' actions as visitors becomes an elementary social interaction. Second, the tradition of offerings and memorial of spirits (petilasan) becomes an elementary symbolic form.

Extended Paid Maternity Leave Associated With Improved Maternal Mental Health In Hong Kong.

In July 2020, Hong Kong extended statutory paid maternity leave from ten weeks to fourteen weeks to align with International Labour Organization standards. We used the policy enactment as an observational natural experiment to assess the mental health implications of this policy change on probable postnatal depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scores of 10 or higher) and postpartum emotional well-being. Using an opportunistic observational study design, we recruited 1,414 survey respondents with births before (August 1-December 10, 2020) and after (December 11, 2020-July 18, 2022) policy implementation. Participants had a mean age of thirty-two, were majority primiparous, and were mostly working in skilled occupations. Our results show that the policy was associated with a 22percent decrease in mothers experiencing postnatal depressive symptoms and a 33percent decrease in postpartum emotional well-being interference. Even this modest change in policy, an additional four weeks of paid leave, was associated with significant mental health benefits. Policy makers should consider extending paid maternity leave to international norms to improve mental health among working mothers and to support workforce retention.

International Labor Relations

International Labor Relations (ILR) encapsulates the multifaceted interactions and dynamics shaping the global workforce's landscape. In an increasingly interconnected world, characterized by globalization, technological advancements, and economic interdependence, labor relations extend beyond national boundaries, influencing and being influenced by various factors. This abstract provides a succinct overview of the key themes, challenges, and opportunities within the realm of International Labor Relations. The study of ILR encompasses diverse aspects, including cross-border labor migration, multinational corporations' employment practices, labor standards, and international trade agreements' impact on employment. Central to ILR is the examination of the interactions between governments, employers, workers, and international organizations, as they navigate complex socio-economic and political contexts. Globalization has profoundly shaped ILR, fostering the integration of economies and labor markets across countries. As a result, labor issues increasingly transcend national borders, posing both opportunities and challenges for workers, employers, and policymakers. Technological advancements, such as automation and digitalization, further complicate labor dynamics, influencing employment patterns and skills requirements on a global scale. Challenges within ILR include ensuring decent work conditions, protecting workers' rights, and addressing inequalities in labor markets. Issues such as informal employment, gender disparities, and the informalization of labor pose significant hurdles to achieving inclusive and sustainable growth. Moreover, the rise of global supply chains has raised concerns about labor exploitation and the enforcement of labor standards across borders. International organizations play a crucial role in shaping ILR through the development and implementation of labor standards, conventions, and guidelines. Institutions like the International Labour Organization (ILO) provide platforms for dialogue and cooperation among governments, employers, and workers to address labor-related challenges and promote social justice. In conclusion, International Labor Relations are complex and dynamic, influenced by globalization, technological advancements, and economic forces. Addressing the diverse challenges within ILR requires collaborative efforts from governments, employers, workers, and international organizations to ensure fair and inclusive labor practices and promote sustainable development globally.   Received: 25 December 2023 / Accepted: 25 February 2024 / Published: 23 April 2024

Quality, Formality and the Evolution of International Labour Law: The New ILO Quality Apprenticeships Standard

Abstract In an era of sequential crises and spiralling youth unemployment, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has adopted a historic instrument: the Quality Apprenticeships Recommendation, 2023 (No 208). This article explores the recommendation as both a landmark in the regulation of training and a site of regulatory innovation and contestation at the heart of contemporary labour law. It first traces the history of apprenticeship standards and the discursive processes that generated the new Recommendation. The article then adopts a dual analytical framework to explore key aspects of the Recommendation as driving and illuminating both the regulation of apprenticeships and the broader evolution of labour law. We highlight the Recommendation’s articulation and ascription of ‘quality’, including as crucial to the debates on the personal scope of labour law; the evolving presence of precarious work in the international normative arena; equality, diversity and inclusion as a heightening aspiration of both apprenticeship regimes and international labour norms; the Recommendation’s exclusion of non-apprenticeship training, and traineeships as an urgent site of future international standard-setting; and the significance of the instrument’s notion of informality for the regulation of informal apprenticeships, not least in the Global South, and for the global debates on the concept, transition, and regulation of informal work.

[Revelation of the list of occupational diseases and diagnostic criteria for occupational diseases].

The list of occupational diseases reflecting the latest advances in the identification and recognition of occupational diseases, and providing guidance on the protection of workers' health rights and interests and the prevention, recording, notification and compensation of related occupational diseases. Diagnostic criteria for occupational diseases are an important basis for making diagnoses attributable to occupational diseases, and provide a theoretical basis for health monitoring of occupational groups and occupational hygiene supervision. This thesis starts with the definition of the occupational disease elaborates in detail the development history of list of occupational diseases in International Labour Organization (ILO) , compares the list of occupational diseases in China (2013 version) with the list of occupational diseases in international (2010 version) , and then introduces in detail the latest diagnostic standards of the major occupational diseases. And finally, it puts forward relevant suggestions on the list and diagnostic level of China's occupational diseases, so as to provide certain insights for the further improvement of the list and diagnostic standards of occupational diseases.

Embracing hope: can social reproduction change ideologies of temporary labour migration?

Housing and care are key sites of social reproduction that shape and are shaped by the labour process. As a Theory into Practice contribution, this article proposes social reproduction as a corrective that can restore the ‘human’ to discussions on temporary labour migration, including the potential for agency. Traditionally, ‘housing’ and ‘care’ are treated as disparate objects of regulation, which are further fragmented by the process of policy making itself. The article proposes ideas, some reflected in the International Labour Organization (ILO’s) recommendations, to turn aspirational values into lived realities to improve the historical disadvantages faced by temporary migrant workers. While it is widely accepted that this is necessary, we should remain hopeful that it is also achievable.

Policy lessons from Okun’s law for African countries

ABSTRACT This article explores the intricate relationship between economic growth and unemployment across multiple African countries, with a focus on estimating the Okun’s coefficient. Data from the International Labour Office (ILO) and the World Bank’s databases for 39 African nations were utilised. Two distinct methodological approaches, first differences and the Hodrick-Prescott (HP) filter, were employed to assess result robustness. Findings reveal that in most African countries, the link between GDP growth and unemployment is weak or non-existent, unlike advanced economies. This divergence underscores unique economic structures and labour dynamics in African nations, necessitating tailored approaches to address unemployment. The study also investigates factors contributing to Okun’s coefficient variability in Africa, emphasising structural, demographic, and economic influences. Demographic trends, domestic market competition, and the rule of law are identified as key determinants. Consequently, policymakers are urged to prioritise measures targeting these factors to enhance job creation and economic stability. Additionally, the study highlights the role of growth volatility, particularly in Morocco, emphasising the need for policies to stabilise economic growth and mitigate unemployment fluctuations.

Вопросы обеспечения благоприятных условий труда работников в мировой экономике

Labor process in the world occupies an essential place in the life of every person, since an employee spends a significant part of his time in the workplace within a certain production environment. Of course, the conditions of this environment have a great impact not only on human labour productivity, but also on fatigue, efficiency, health, and longevity. Formation of favorable working conditions is an ongoing process that is implemented in all organizations of the world's countries, regardless of their activities specifics. Its result should be creation of conditions that meet the requirements of safety and comfort, which will lead to a reduction in injuries, increased job satisfaction and the situation in which it is carried out, and increase of labour results quality. The purpose of the research is to study the initial conditions to ensure the performance of employees’ labour functions in the global economy based on the regulations and standards of the International Labor Organization. Research methods of the problem, such as a systematic approach, economic analysis, analysis and synthesis, comparisons, generalizations, and graphical method of analysis form the methodology of the problem study. As a result the assessment of the International Labour Organization activities on regulation and study of issues related to the working regime is given/ The problems related to working hours and their impact on people are considered and the analysis of key indicators of compliance with working conditions in our country and abroad is carried out. Conclusions are formulated on compliance with the work and rest regime of enterprises’ employees in the world countries.

Career education and development scale for secondary and tertiary students in Vietnam

AbstractThis article reports on the measurement properties of the Vietnamese versions of the Career Education and Development Scale‐Senior and the Career Education and Development Scale‐Tertiary. The International Labour Organization Vietnam facilitated collection of data from students in high schools (N = 1463) and universities (N = 645) who completed these new measures along with comparator measures of self‐efficacy and career‐related beliefs, and expectations. Confirmatory factor analyses revealed an eight‐factor model equivalent for high school and university students. Correlations with comparator measures provide evidence of concurrent validity. These new measures of career preparedness support Vietnam's national efforts to advance career development, research, and practice. Future research recommendations focus on testing the measures’ properties across different sociocultural factors and gender.

Measuring Employment and Unemployment from a Fuzzy Perspective. A Comparative Analysis Across European Countries

AbstractAccording to the standards set by the International Labour Office, people of working age who have performed some remunerated work during a specified short reference period are classified as employed, regardless of how many hours they have worked, while those who have not been able to work at all (despite wanting to) are classified as unemployed. As observed by many experts in the field, this rigid division between employed and unemployed can conceal labour markets with deeply different characteristics. In particular, the average number of hours worked and, more importantly, their distribution across employees may vary significantly across countries. The aim of this paper is to define fuzzy indicators of employment and unemployment by using the available information on the number of hours worked and the satisfaction or dissatisfaction of workers with this. In this approach, each person in the labour force is assigned a degree of employment between 0 and 1, where 0 means full non-membership in the fuzzy set of employed (and full membership in the fuzzy set of unemployed) and 1 means full membership in the fuzzy set of employed. To show the potentiality of the proposed method, we apply fuzzy measures to Labour Force Survey data from 29 European countries and compare the results with the official employment and unemployment statistics published by Eurostat.

Post-Pandemic Challenges of Textile Industry Workers in India: Analysis of Social Security Laws of Select Asian Countries

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic ensued a challenging period for global health; however, the loss of livelihoods throughout the lockdown also led to a significant economic issue that warranted a reassessment of the existing socio-economic structures. Manufacturing lines were severely impeded, particularly in the Indian textile industry, the second-largest employer and labour-intensive industry. The initial lockdown did not provide manufacturers enough time to prepare for the impending catastrophe, compelling many to shut down their operations. The above circumstances highlighted the lack of resilient social security laws in India. Despite initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) scheme and other initiatives like grain distribution to families below the poverty line, lack of economic security came to the forefront. There is a need to have a competent social security legal framework in India to ensure economic stability for all that would fall in line with the noble ideas of the framers of the Constitution as enshrined in the Directive Principles of State Policy, the guiding light for all state action in India. India has not ratified the International Labour Organizations Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention of 1952. The focal area of the current research would be to look into the sufficiency of the legal framework (International and National) to protect the economic interests of the workers. The authors examine the following: 1. Examine the Code on Social Security, 2020 passed by the Indian legislature interpreting it in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on textile manufacturing in India along with other steps initiated by the government for the textile industry. 2. Carry out a comparative analysis of the social security laws of other Asian countries (Bangladesh, Vietnam, and China) to carve out best practices that can be adopted in India. 3. Analyse and contrast the statistical data of the four predominant textile manufacturing and exporting economies on selected parameters.

Impact of Safety Management Practices on Safety Performance in Workplace Environment: A Case Study in Iraqi Electricity Production Industry

Organizations are becoming more aware of the need to ensure a safe working environment for their staff. Technological advancements and industrial growth have enhanced efficiency, however, they present new challenges and risks for employees. Accidents remain a concern despite International Labor Organization (ILO) guidelines, governmental bodies, and industry institutions promoting workplace safety. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the determinants of workplace safety performance, particularly in the electrical power industry. This study formulates a theoretical model to assess the predictors of safety practices of managers and staff in the Iraqi electricity sector, extending the safety climate model with four external constructs and a moderating variable. Data were collected from 374 participants using an online questionnaire and the PLS-SEM method for analysis. The factor loadings exceeded the recommended value of 0.7 and internal consistencies were greater than the threshold value of 0.8. The findings showed that the safety performance in the Iraqi electric power sector is influenced by safety communication, safety policy, safety control, prevention planning, and safety commitment. Safety commitment is affected by safety policy, prevention planning, control, and communication, while safety training and safety control were found to be insignificant. Furthermore, safety communication had the most significant effect. The results of this study provide some theoretical and practical implications for employees' safety performance toward their overall safety in the electric power industry.

DETERMINANTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INCLUSIVE LABOR MARKET IN UKRAINE

The article examines the modern determinants of the development of the inclusive labor market in Ukraine, which are determined by a complex of specific factors that affect the process of integration of people from socially vulnerable population groups. It has been proven that one of the key components of the inclusive labor market are socio-economic conditions that form the foundation for the development of an inclusive economy. It was determined that the degree of economic development, the level of unemployment and the availability of financial resources directly affect the formation of an inclusive labor market. In addition, an important role in the formation of an inclusive environment is also played by legal regulation, including the interaction of national public administration bodies with the international labor organization. It has been proven that normative acts aimed at protecting the rights of socially vulnerable persons create the necessary conditions for their active participation in economic activity on the labor market. It was determined that the development and improvement of such normative legal acts is a strategic task for ensuring the sustainable development of the inclusive labor market in Ukraine. Socio-cultural factors that determine society's attitude towards socially vulnerable persons and shape openness and tolerance in the working environment are considered. It was determined that an effective policy of differentiation and acceptance of diversity can contribute to the creation of a positive climate for inclusive employment, promoting the development of diverse talents and skills among employees in order to strengthen the relevance of their qualifications to the demands of employers. It has been proven that educational opportunities for persons with disabilities play a key role in their integration into the inclusive labor market. It was found that the system of providing high-quality education and professional training, as well as the implementation of special support programs in general, contribute to the growth of the competitiveness of this group of workers in the labor market. It was determined that organizational aspects, such as the creation of specialized employment centers, functional support of enterprises that implement inclusive practices, as well as the development of corporate responsibility, contribute to the effective solution of the problems of integration of socially vulnerable persons in the field of work. It is proved that all the mentioned determinants are closely interrelated and interact with each other, forming a complex system of factors that influence the development of the inclusive labor market in Ukraine.

SDG 8 – Decent work and sustainability: The case of a public security organization in Brazil

AbstractThe recognition of the importance of work and the worker in the context of sustainability and social responsibility led the International Labor Organization (ILO) to construct the central concept of this research. This study aims to analyze the work environment in police organizations from the perspective of the concept of work that the ILO has termed Decent Work. The questionnaire was constructed based on the literature and validated by experts. Subsequently, it was made available through Google Forms® and submitted to the respondents. The research was based on ILO indicators (employment opportunities; adequate income; decent working hours; reconciliation of work, personal, and family life; stability and security at work; equal opportunities and treatment in employment; safe working environment; social dialogue; representation of workers and employers), and involved the participation of 704 respondents. The main pieces of evidence include: partial compliance with the indicators of decent work, with a negative emphasis on the working environment, where 59.39% classified it as unsafe, followed by evidence of low institutional concern for employees.

Empirical Evidence from Nigeria on Environmental Health and Occupational Safety at Work

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has developed numerous conventions, protocols, and recommendations on minimum labour standards, with the majority relating to occupational safety and health systems (OSH). However, environmental issues like deforestation, desertification, flooding, erosion, oil spills, and air and water pollution, particularly in Nigeria, pose a threat to the health and safety of the many organizations in developing nations. Using a hybrid of research designs such as survey and content analysis and based on the Risk Society Theory and Sense-making Theory, this paper reviews, environmental health and occupational safety at workplaces in Nigeria. This study aims to identify environmental health and occupational safety issues in Nigeria's manufacturing sector, specifically in the iron and steel and aluminium industry, by examining inaccurate data on male and female workers. Using in-depth interviews with a total of 17 participants, the primary data was gathered from managers and senior staff members of chosen firms in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, and Lagos State, Nigeria. These were Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL) and Alumaco Aluminium Manufacturing Co. of Nigeria Ltd., Ikeja, Nigeria. It discovers a high level of occupational health awareness, insufficient funding for safety intelligence initiatives, and a high frequency of workplace dangers. The study also finds that Nigeria was among the signatories in Africa who failed to comply with this directive. It recommends promoting occupational health services, training doctors to recognize work-related diseases, and complying with the ILO's Convention 155. The article also suggests updating laws, conducting education campaigns, investing in training, and holding employers accountable for non-compliance

Quantifying the Cost of Shigella Diarrhea in the Enterics for Global Health (EFGH) Shigella Surveillance Study.

Comparative costs of public health interventions provide valuable data for decision making. However, the availability of comprehensive and context-specific costs is often limited. The Enterics for Global Health (EFGH) Shigella surveillance study-a facility-based diarrhea surveillance study across 7 countries-aims to generate evidence on health system and household costs associated with medically attended Shigella diarrhea in children. EFGH working groups comprising representatives from each country (Bangladesh, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Pakistan, Peru, and The Gambia) developed the study methods. Over a 24-month surveillance period, facility-based surveys will collect data on resource use for the medical treatment of an estimated 9800 children aged 6-35 months with diarrhea. Through these surveys, we will describe and quantify medical resources used in the treatment of diarrhea (eg, medication, supplies, and provider salaries), nonmedical resources (eg, travel costs to the facility), and the amount of caregiver time lost from work to care for their sick child. To assign costs to each identified resource, we will use a combination of caregiver interviews, national medical price lists, and databases from the World Health Organization and the International Labor Organization. Our primary outcome will be the estimated cost per inpatient and outpatient episode of medically attended Shigella diarrhea treatment across countries, levels of care, and illness severity. We will conduct sensitivity and scenario analysis to determine how unit costs vary across scenarios. Results from this study will contribute to the existing body of literature on diarrhea costing and inform future policy decisions related to investments in preventive strategies for Shigella.