ILO must re-frame its strategic objectives - EFC
The ILO should consider a review of its strategic objectives in the
light of global unemployment and the social injustice it creates in the
world today, the Director-General of the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon
(EFC) Ravi Peiris told the 103rd International Labour Conference in
Geneva last week.
As the employer delegate from Sri Lanka, Peiris said that the ILO
must be less prescriptive and more proactive. He said that global
unemployment has now reached 202 million, a five million increase from
last year. One in every eight, under 25 is unemployed.
“Is this social justice?” Peiris queried.
He emphasised that the ILO must be innovative, and create an
environment for employment creation.
“Social justice demands an enabling environment for employment
creation. It also demands jobs to make a living,” he said.
Peiris emphasised the need to look at employment beyond prescriptive
standards. The practice of prescribing idealist uniform standards
inhibits employment generation.
“We need to look at the world of work through a different pair of
spectacles. We must put on lenses which are far-sighted and ensure a
more pleasant and productive world of work for future generations.
Sustainable enterprises hold the key for productive work,” he said. |