113th International Labour Conference (ILC)

Context

The 113th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) was held from 2 to 13 June 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland, at the Palais des Nations and ILO headquarters. As the highest decision-making body of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the ILC brings together tripartite delegations from 187 member states—comprising governments, employers, and workers—to deliberate on critical labour issues and set international labour standards.

Key Objectives and Structure

• Tripartite Participation: The Conference is unique in its tripartite structure, ensuring that governments, employers, and workers have equal voices in shaping labour policies and standards.
• Plenary and Committees: The ILC consists of a plenary session and several technical committees. The plenary handles administrative, formal, and high-level discussions, while technical committees focus on specific agenda items.
• Decision-Making: The ILC adopts international labour standards, reviews reports, and makes recommendations for member states.

Major Agenda Items

• Protection Against Biological Hazards: The Conference held its second discussion on a new Convention and Recommendation aimed at protecting workers from biological hazards in all work environments. This culminated in the adoption of Convention 192, accompanied by a Recommendation, establishing a comprehensive framework to safeguard workers from biological risks.
• Decent Work in the Platform Economy: The ILC launched its first standard-setting discussion on decent work in the platform economy. This initiative seeks to address labour rights, fair remuneration, social protection, occupational safety, and data privacy for gig and digital workers. The standards are expected to be finalized at the 114th ILC in 2026.
• Transition from Informal to Formal Economy: There was a general discussion on innovative approaches to tackle informality and promote transitions to formal employment. The discussions emphasized the importance of including informal workers in policy-making and upholding the principles of ILO Recommendation No. 204.
• Tripartite Input to the Second World Summit for Social Development: The Conference deliberated on the ILO’s contribution to the upcoming World Summit for Social Development, ensuring labour perspectives are integrated into global social policy.
• Amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention: The Conference approved amendments adopted at the Special Tripartite Committee’s fifth meeting, further strengthening protections for maritime workers.

Key Outcomes and Achievements

• Adoption of New International Labour Standard: The adoption of Convention 192 on biological hazards marks a significant milestone, providing a robust framework for occupational safety and health globally.
• Progress on Platform Economy Standards: The first standard-setting discussion on decent work in the platform economy sets the stage for future protections for digital and gig workers, addressing fundamental rights, fair pay, and data protection.
• Inclusive Policy Development: The Conference ensured that the voices of informal workers, represented by various international organizations, were included in discussions, reflecting the needs of 61% of the world’s workforce.
• Global Coalition for Social Justice Forum: The second edition of the Global Coalition for Social Justice Annual Forum was held on 12 June 2025, bringing together coalition partners and ILO tripartite delegations to advance social justice globally.

• Reports and Budget Discussions: The Conference reviewed reports from the Chairperson of the Governing Body and the Director-General, and discussed the Draft Programme and Budget for 2026–27.

Source: ilo.org

UPSC Prelims Practice Questiona

a) With reference to the International Labour Conference (ILC), consider the following statements:

b) It is the highest decision-making body of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

c) Each member state is represented by two delegates – one from the government and one from the employers’ groupThe Conference is often referred to as the “International Parliament of Labour.”

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

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