The International Labour Organization (ILO) held the 17th Asia Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) in Singapore. It convened representatives from governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations across the Asia-Pacific and Arab states with four primary themes under discussion:
1. Establishing an integrated policy agenda for human-centred recovery that is inclusive, sustainable, and resilient.
2. Creating an institutional framework to support transitions towards formality and decent work.
3. Laying strong foundations for social and employment protection and resilience.
4. Revitalizing productivity growth and skills for more and better jobs.
The APRM culminated with the issuance of the ‘Singapore Statement,’ representing a shared vision for future actions among ILO constituents.
The Singapore Statement’s Highlights
The document calls for the ratification of ILO fundamental conventions, strengthening government, employer, and worker representatives’ capacities for effective social dialogue. Additionally, it advocates for closing gender gaps and considers ratifying and implementing related international labour standards. The statement further supports the transition from the informal to the formal economy, strengthening governance frameworks to protect migrant worker rights.
It also reaffirms the commitment of regional governments and social partners to engage in consultations towards a Global Social Justice Coalition, encouraging a just transition to environmentally sustainable economies and societies in response to climate change.
India’s Labour Policy Criticisms
India’s new labour codes have come under scrutiny for potentially violating tripartite agreements between workers, employers, and the government. Critics argue that these codes may disproportionately favor employers by allotting them inspection authority.
Declining productivity growth is another concern, impacting workers, business sustainability, particularly Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), broader economies, and communities. Approximately 90% of India’s workforce belongs to the unorganised sector, presenting persistent challenges of low-paid jobs and poor working conditions.
Suggestions for India’s Labour Reforms
Key recommendations for India include drafting a new social contract with governments and employers, addressing decent job availability, labor rights, fair wages, social protection, equality, inclusiveness, and anti-discrimination.
Productivity enhancement is critical to economic growth. It is vital to recognize the ongoing skills challenges and that effective, demand-driven skills development benefits governments, employers, workers, and economic prosperity at large. Better harnessing digital, core, entrepreneurial, and soft skills are recommended steps forward.
To promote inclusive growth, identifying workers in the unorganised sector and prioritising their needs is crucial. Measures such as the E-Shram portal for worker registration and health coverage extension through the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESIC) can pave the way for universal social security, leading to reduced inequality.
About the International Labour Organization
Established in 1919 by the Treaty of Versailles, the ILO is an affiliated agency of the League of Nations. It is a tripartite U.N. agency, drawing together governments, employers, and workers from its 187 member States to set labour standards, develop policies, and devise programmes promoting decent work for all. The ILO is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and regularly issues reports on global wage, employment and social outlook, social protection, and social dialogue.