What conventions and core labour standards does the International Labour Organisation (ILO) protect?

As part of the United Nations, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) is a tripartite organisation of trade unions, governments and companies.

Upon release of the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work in 1998, ILO member states agreed to respect, promote, and realise core labour standards (whether ratified or not).

The Declaration outlines five labour standards in eight conventions:

  • Freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining (Conventions 87 & 98)
  • The elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour (Conventions 29 & 105)
  • The effective abolition of child labour (Conventions 138 & 182)
  • The elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation (Conventions 100 & 111)

Currently awaiting the adoption by member states is ILO Convention 190, to end violence and harassment in the world of work. As this is the first international standard to explicitly address gender-based violence against workers, Clean Clothes Campaign strongly supports this convention.

Upon this foundation, CCC calls upon companies to also observe the following international labour rights:

  • The right to a living wage based on a work week that does not exceed 48 hours
  • Humane working hours with no forced overtime
  • A safe and healthy workplace free from harassment
  • A recognised employment relationship with labour and social protection.

In alignment with ILO conventions and recommendations, as well as the UN Declaration on human rights, these requirements are essential to workers in the garment industry.