ILO on track to pass treaty on social insurance by 2012

The International Labor Organization (ILO) is on track to pass next year a treaty that will allow nearly 100 million workers around the world to enjoy social insurance programs, Social Watch Philippines said Friday.

In a statement, Social Watch quoted the United Nations’ ILO as saying 80 percent of workers all over the world have no access to social security — a social insurance program that provides protection against poverty, old age, disability, and unemployment, among others.

“I believe [social insurance programs] are building blocks for social justice… I invite you all to mobilize around. Your support is invaluable," ILO director-general Juan Somavia told participants of the ongoing 5th Social Watch Global Assembly in Manila.

Social Watch is a network of citizens’ organizations struggling to eradicate poverty and causes of poverty, and to ensure an equitable distribution of wealth and realization of human rights.

Decent work for domestic workers

Somavia also lauded Social Watch for its “outstanding" job of reminding governments to help ensure the ratification and implementation of Convention 189, a landmark measure concerning decent work for domestic workers.

“You have persistently reminded governments as well as international organizations, business groups, and non-governmental organizations of the need to act on their commitments," Somavia told Social Watch.

He said domestic workers have long wanted to get the protection and the respect that they are entitled to have. “Now we must ensure that Convention 189 is ratified and implemented."

According to Social Watch, the passage of Convention 189 last June 16 was celebrated by workers around the world as they expect the landmark measure to change the lives of at least 100 million workers globally.

According to Convention 189, domestic workers who care for families and households must have the same basic labor rights as those available to other workers:


•reasonable hours of work,


•weekly rest of at least 24 consecutive hours,


•limit on in-kind payment,


•clear information on terms and conditions of employment, and


•respect for fundamental principles and rights at work (freedom of association and right to collective bargaining).

— JE, GMA News

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