Page 48 - DIVA_2_2008_No.33

Labour and Tripartisrn

Established by the Treaty of 1969, presented to David A. to expand social protection "Labour is not a commodity,
Versailles in 1919, with the Morse, Director-General of for all workers. freedom of expression and of
aim of contributing towards the International Labour associationare essentialto sus-
Organization. The pem'ianent secretariat of tained progress, poverky any-
universal peace based on
social justice, the the TL0 is based in Geneva, where constitutes a danger for
Intemational Labour Tripartism in Action Switzerland. It is represented prospenty everywhere."
Organization (ILO) siuvived by Regional offices in Africa,
the disappearance of the On 11 December 1969, David Asia and the Atnericas and Approaching its ninetieth year,
Morse stated "The ILO in has a presence in most coun- the ILO remains in the van-
Lcaguc of Nations.
short offered the world an tries of the regions. guard ofprotecting and impro-
Its founders were convinced alternative to social strife: it ving labour conditions and
that peace depends upon the provided it with the procedu- Architect of peace ensuring respect for funda-
res and techtfflques of bargai- mental human rights for all
social well-being of all peo-
ning and negotiation to repla- French historian, journalist, workers around the world. Its
ples, and that itwas necessary
to have an organisation ce violent conflict as a meal'i politician and Socialist minis- assistance takes the foim of
responsible for 'mprovmg of secuting more human and ter, Albert Thomas (1878- labour rights and industrial
dignified conditions of work 1932) was above all a remar- relations, counselling, employ-
labour conditions and ensu-
rmg respect for fundamental ... its tripariite shucture has kable man of action. As first ment promotion, training in
human rights. also enabled it to broaden the Director of the ILO, he is small business development,
scope of cooperation between remembered as an architect of pro)ect management, advice
The ILO is based on the prm- countries. The ILO is still the peace. The role of the on social security, workplace
ciple, set forth in its only worldwide organization Organization rapidly grew in safety andworking conditions,
Constitution, that there can be where intemational coopera- irnpo rtance thanks to his crea- the compiling and dissemina-
no universal and lasting peace tion is the business not only of tive enthusiasm. tion of labour statistics and
without social justice. It seeks diplomats and government workers' education.
to promote intemationally representatives, but also ofthe The ILO became the place
recognised human and labour representatives of employers where govemments, Labour Day is traditionally
rights. It became the fu'st and workers." employers and trade unions celebrated on 1 May and in
United Nations specialized representatives adopted inter- many coiu'itries has become m
agency in 1946 and was awar- national conventions: in 1919, officially recognised paid holi-
ded the Nobel Peace Prize on on hours of work in industy, day. In a show of solidarity
its fiftieth anniversary in maternity protection and workers and their representati-
minimum age in indushy; in ves gather in parades and
1927, on sickness insurance demonstrations to call for
in industty and agriculhire; in improving labour conditions
1930, on forced labow. and ensuring respect for fun-
damental human rights for
With bis boundless energy workers throughout the world.
and a deep faith in the urgen-
cy of his mission, Albert ITA MARGUET
Thomas was constantly in the
front line of the stniggle for Note:Acl<nowledgeinent is
workers' rights. Until his ,crivcn to all sources used iii
death in 1932, he strove with preparation of tliis text. It fol-
passion to make the ILO an lows publisl'icd ai'ticles about
efficient instnirnent for dura- tlic history of tlie ILO and oii-
ble universal peace based on gms of Labour Day (Ita
social justice. Margzret, 2004 - 2007), inclu-
ding LNION 336, May-Jme
Labour and Workers 2004, for the 85th mmiversaiy
year of tlie Intci'national
The Declaration of Laboui' Oigariization.
Philadelphia adopted by the
International Laborir
Conference at its 26th Session
on 10 May 1944 declares
46 2 2008 Diva

wwwdNyaNnternatNonaNeb