The International Labor Organization

Finally, the right to work has long been accepted as legally binding by governments, business and trade unions through the work of the International Labor Organization (ILO). The ILO has a long history dating back to the First World War. Since its inception it has formulated a long series of Conventions to protect the rights of workers. Some of these have become obsolete with changes in the nature of work and better protection provided in other treaties. The principles governing the right to work, just and fair conditions of work and the right to form trade unions are all included in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

However, the ILO remains a strong advocate of workers' rights and the ILO Conventions are also binding on governments that have signed on to them. These cover

• the outlawing of forced and bonded labour
• freedom of association
• the right to organize and bargain collectively
• equal remuneration for male and female workers for work of equal value
• abolition of discrimination in employment and occupation

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