Employers' Handbook on ILO Standards-related Activities

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EMPLOYERS’ HANDBOOK ON ILO STANDARDS-RELATED ACTIVITIES
Employers’ views on ILS reform
The employers have welcomed the recent initiatives and decisions to reform ILS
activities, in particular the “integrated approach” which, in their view, goes in the right
direction. However, they also realize that further analyses of the problems involved are
needed and concrete steps to translate the “integrated approach” into practicable solutions
still have to be taken. Moreover, in the employers’ view, the adaptation of ILS and
respective procedures to changing needs should be seen as a constant task and process.
The detailed views and proposals of the employers regarding the present ILS reform
are contained in the above-mentioned IOE position paper (see Appendix 8). A
reading of this position paper is strongly recommended.
The following more general questions and issues may be raised in the continuing
reform discussions:
l Re-evaluation of objectives and functions of ILS
In view of the fundamental changes in economic and social structures that
have occurred since the ILS system came into being, a detailed re-evaluation of the
objectives and functions of ILS seems justified. In this context, the “value added”
of labour regulation at international level, i.e. its concrete benefits to economic
and social development at the national level, should be studied. Particular attention
should be given in this regard to the impact of ILS on economic efficiency,
competitiveness and the ability of enterprises to create jobs and income.
l Comprehensiveness of the ILS system
Given the limited institutional capacity of many member States regarding ratification
and implementation of ILS, it could be worthwhile to examine how comprehensive
an “ideal” system of ILS, i.e. a system which will have the best possible
effect, should be.
l Indicators/goals as part of ILS
Specific time-bound steps to implement an ILS and some basic indicators/
goals to measure achievements might be included in new ILS. This could make
implementation more reliable, simplify supervision and provide valuable feedback.
l Diversification of standards-related action/complementary action
As alternatives or supplements to ILS, other standards-related action, such as
declarations, technical guidelines, codes of practice and benchmarking/best practices
should be considered more systematically. In addition, in order to facilitate
the implementation of ILS, more targeted use should be made of complementary
action, such as manuals, action plans and public campaigns.
l Coordination of ILS with action in other disciplines
Major obstacles to ILS implementation in many developing countries include
a general lack of institutional capacity and low productivity levels. In order to
ensure that the necessary framework conditions for ILS implementation are provided
and thus to facilitate their implementation, it might be useful if the ILO