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Unit 2: ILO and its Contribution in Labour Welfare and Social Security

The main aims of the organisation are: Notes
1. To remove the hardships and privations of the toiling masses all over the world and to
ensure economic justice for them;

2. To improve their living and working conditions, as a vital step towards the establishment
of universal and lasting peace, based on social justice.

2.2 Structure

The ILO is a tripartite organisation, consisting of representatives of the governments, employers
and workers of member-countries in the ratio of 2:1:1. It has helped in the formation of the
organisations of employers and of workers in different countries. The first national trade union
organisation – the AITUC – in our country was formed within one year of the setting up of the
ILO, so that the representative of the Indian workers might attend the International Labour
Conferences.

!
Caution The principal organs of the ILO are:

1. The International Labour Conference;
2. The Governing Body; and
3. The International Labour Office.

2.2.1 International Labour Conference

The conference is held once a year. Each member-country is represented by four delegates - two
representing the Government, one representing the employers, and one representing the workers.
The main task of the Conference is to set up minimum international, social and labour norms/
standards in the form of conventions or recommendations. A convention is binding on the
member-state which ratifies it, while a recommendation is intended as a guideline. Member-
states must place before their national Parliaments all conventions ratified by the Conference
for acceptance or rejection within 18 months of their adoption.

2.2.2 Governing Body

The Governing Body is the chief executive body of the organisation and meets four times a year.
This body is also tripartite in character, with a membership of 40 - the representatives of
governments are 20 and 10 each representing employers and workers. The Governing Body is
responsible for effective programming of the work of the ILO.

2.2.3 International Labour Office

This office is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the organisation and has branches in 9
countries, including India.

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