Innlegg under ILOs generalforsamling 2012

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Arbeidsminister Hanne Bjurstrøms innlegg under ILOs generalforsamling 11. juni 2012.

Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen.

Norway has strongly supported the ILO in its efforts to promote decent work as a basis for global governance to counter the economic crisis and an economic recovery strategy. We commend the ILO for the high profile and results it has achieved in international fora. We firmly believe in strengthening international rights-based institutions.

Norway has long traditions for tripartism. We see a great need to strengthen the work of ILO in this field. Today, countries that have not ratified the two conventions on freedom of association and collective bargaining have more than half of the world’s population. This is a sad reality that we have to try to change. Freedom of association and collective bargaining are tools of a necessary democratization process. And social dialogue is very often a most useful tool in order to constitute acceptance for decisions.

Ratification of the ILO conventions is thus key. We would encourage all members to speed up the ratifications! However, fundamental rights also have to be respected. National policies, implementation strategies, and a strong political determination for a fair globalization, need to follow.

The ILO Declaration on “Social Justice for a Fair Globalization” reminds us that coherence in global governance – putting social justice on par with economic efficiency and growth – is absolutely necessary. This relevance is as high today in the midst of a crisis, as it was in 2008, when the declaration was signed. We therefore encourage ILO’s cooperation with the multilateral world - especially the IMF, the World Bank and the OECD. We fully agree, as set out in the report of the Director General from 2011, we have to create a new growth path that includes social justice.

The efforts to improve the situation for vulnerable groups in the labour market, such as young people, must continue to be strengthened. Not undermined during the ongoing economic crisis. In many countries, the financial and economic crisis has been followed by stronger tendencies to a two-tier labour market. Our Norwegian experience is different. Norway has managed to combine high levels of labour market participation with relatively small income differentials, and without a two-tier labour market. The model has endured over decades.

The report of the Director General – “A New Era of Social Justice” shows that fundamental rights are not stumbling blocks for growth and recovery. Jobs and fundamental rights at work are the only basis on which to promote economic recovery, and to build sustainable growth and development! 

Thank you!