Freedom of association in practise: Lessons learned

Speech held by State Secretary Jan-Erik Støstad at the 97th Session of the International Labour Conference, 28 May - 13 June 2008. The speech was held during the session 'Global Report: Freedom of association in practice: Lessons learned', 6 June 2008.

 

Mr. Chairperson,

Norway welcomes the Director-Generals Report, “Freedom of association in practise: Lessons learned”. It is particularly timely. As we celebrate the ten year anniversary of the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, and the 60th anniversary of ILO convention 87, the report in front of us should remind us all of the following:

• Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are fundamental values and human rights that should apply to all. 
• Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are preconditions for the balance of power in the labour market. 
• And as such, freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are preconditions for social justice, sustainable growth – and for democracy working in practice.

Only by respecting the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining, can we facilitate meaningful social dialogue between governments and workers and employers organizations, thus making sure the fruits of growth and development are enjoyed by all. But this is also a question of economic growth and achieving high income levels.

We believe it is no coincidence that so many of the richest countries in the world for a long time have recognized freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, while so many countries where people have been denied these fundamental rights, remain among the poorest.

There is growing evidence that fundamental principles and rights at work have played an important part to improve economic development and productivity, better management of enterprises and the functioning of the labour market. Already in 2000 OECD found that countries that strengthened the observance of core labour standards can increase economic efficiency by raising the skill levels of the workforce and by creating an environment that encourages productivity growth and innovation.

But freedom of association is not only about growth, development and social justice. For too many, it can also be a question of life and death.

We regret to note that serious threats to workers and employers seeking to organize – including killings, detention and violence - still persist in some countries. 

We appreciate the role of the ILO in revealing such atrocities, and the efforts to bring them to an end. But we must acknowledge that the power of the ILO, and thus the international community, to bring an end to these violations, remain frustratingly limited. I must admit, this is a cause for great concern to Norway.

Mr. Chairperson,

In the advocacy work of the ILO it is also important to give real life examples of employers and workers exercising their rights and achieving results. Information should be gathered on concrete cases of good practices in collective bargaining and social dialogue that others will wish to imitate. The ILO should also work closely, on a tripartite basis, with the non-ratifying countries to seek the means to overcome obstacles to ratification.

The Global report shows that since the Declaration on fundamental principles and rights was adopted ten years ago, we have seen progress towards universal ratification of Conventions 87 and 98. The number of ratifications is 148 and 158 [1], respectively, out of a total number of 182 Member States. Still that does not help workers and employers in the remaining countries that do not enjoy protection under Conventions 87 and 98. The fact remains, that this comprise about half of the world's workers and employers.

Some groups are facing particular difficulties in exercising their fundamental rights. Many of those working in agriculture and in Export Processing Zones, many migrant and domestic workers and those in the informal sector are facing a difficult situation even in countries that have already ratified the Conventions.

Mr. Chairperson,

Labour legislation is the foundation for respect of freedom of association and recognition of the right to collective bargaining. The ILO has longstanding experience in assisting Member States with labour law reform. It is utmost important that the organization continues to have enough capacity in this field to be able to meet requests for assistance from Member States.

Decent work for all and a fair distribution of the benefits of globalisation are the most important objectives of the ILO in our time.

The Report of the World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalisation demonstrated that we have a long way to go in this respect. We believe that one most important step on that path is to give all workers and employers the right to organise and to collective bargaining.

In conclusion, Mr. Chairperson, Norway strongly supports a new updated Plan of Action in this area and we believe the Director-General’s Report offers a number of proposals that will make a sound basis for the Plan of Action. As pointed out in the Report, however, sustainable change depends on the commitment of the government and the social partners of each country and their ability to achieve a strong joint ownership of the agreed course of action. The aim must be to use these fundamental rights as a foundation for democratic development.

I thank you for your attention.