As the world of work wrestles with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Philippine delegation in the 110th Session of the International Labor Conference (ILC) in Geneva is pushing for the global call for the inclusion of safe and healthy working conditions in the International Labor Organization’s (ILO) Framework of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.

The Philippine contingent to the ILC, headed by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, is embarking on a 15-day discussion of the world of work issues, specifically on occupational safety and health, apprenticeships, as well as the social and solidarity economy.

“Our Philippine team in this international parliament of labor is one with the ILC in pushing for the inclusion of safe and healthy working conditions in the International Labor Organization’s (ILO) framework of fundamental principles and rights at work. More than ever, our obligation and commitment to the life, health, and dignity of workers cannot be overemphasized,” Bello said in a news release on Sunday.

The ILC kicked off on May 27 and will culminate on June 11.

The conference will also discuss the social and solidarity economy and the international standardization of the quality apprenticeship, which is defined by the ILO as “a unique form of technical vocational education and training, combining on-the-job training and off-the-job learning.

Bello is joined by key officials of the Department of Labor and Employment in the labor relations and occupational health and safety clusters composed of Undersecretaries Benjo Santos Benavidez, Renato L. Ebarle, Randy B. Escolango, Assistant Secretary Ma. Teresita S. Cucueco, Executive Director Noel C. Binag, and Director Ma. Consuelo S. Bacay.

The DOLE is also joined by 12 labor group representatives from the Kilusang Mayo Uno, Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa, and Federation of Free Workers, and 13 from the Employers Confederation of the Philippines.

A broadened ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work is expected in this year’s ILC which calls for the inclusion of safe and healthy working conditions.

The ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work was adopted in 1998 and commits its Member States to respect and promote principles and rights in four categories, whether they have ratified the relevant Conventions.

These categories are freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining, the elimination of forced or compulsory labor, the abolition of child labor, and the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation. (PNA)