The 113th International Labour Conference (ILC) concluded on 13 June with the adoption of the first-ever international labour standards aimed at “preventing exposure to, and protecting workers from, biological hazards in the workplace,” marking a “landmark step” in global efforts to safeguard occupational health and safety.
The newly adopted Convention (C 192) requires Member States to “formulate national policies and adopt measures on occupational safety and health” to prevent biological risks, including “preparedness and response measures to deal with accidents and emergencies.” Employers must implement “preventive and protective measures” in collaboration with workers, who must be “informed and trained on the hazards and risks.”
An accompanying Recommendation provides detailed guidance on “risk assessment, early warning systems, preparedness, and response measures”โparticularly during outbreaks, epidemics, or pandemicsโand clarifies exposure routes such as “airborne, contact, or vector-borne pathways.” Together, these instruments create an “adaptable framework” to combat biological risks in all workplaces.
ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo hailed the achievement, noting “a broad consensus that social dialogue and democratic institutions are essential to foster social cohesion.”He emphasized that “our mandate and our work matter now more than ever,” while acknowledging 18 new ratifications from eight Member States.
Platform Economy and Workersโ Rights
For the first time, the ILC held discussions on “decent work in the platform economy,” agreeing on key principles for future standards, including “fair remuneration, social security, and protection against automated decision-making.” A Convention and Recommendationwill be finalized by 2026.
Combatting Informality and Maritime Worker Protections
A Resolution was adopted to “reduce informality and support the transition to formal work,” urging better social protection and job security. Meanwhile, amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention strengthened protections against “violence and harassment,” guaranteed “shore leave and repatriation rights,” and recognized seafarers as”key workers.”
Global Solidarity and Accountability
The Conference condemned labour rights violations in Myanmar, demanding compliance with ILO rulings on forced labour. It also granted Palestine observer status and approved the 2026โ27 ILO budget.
The Global Coalition for Social Justice held its annual forum, with Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader and Brazilโs Labour Minister Luiz Marinho underscoring commitments to “driving real change.”
Over 5,400 delegates from 187 nations attended the 113th ILC, reinforcing the ILOโs role in advancing “social justice and decent work for all.”
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