Multilateral dialogue and initiatives to support decent work

"Many examples have shown that pressure on suppliers or intense competition between them can lead to situations where workers work in dangerous conditions without decent employment contracts or social security or for very low wages and without real opportunities to join or form unions to defend their rights," Georges Dassis said during his speech at the 105th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva. The ILC is the International Labour Organisation's highest decision-making body and meets annually in June, bringing together the tripartite delegations from the organisation's 187 Member States.

This year's conference runs from 30 May until 10 June. The president of the European Economic and Social Committee addressed the Assembly on 7 June. Georges Dassis had the opportunity to speak about the importance of trade and investment and the positive impact they can have on job creation and economic growth. However, he also expressed his concerns about workers' issues and the need to have a real multilateral dialogue and launch initiatives to support decent work.

In conclusion, Mr Dassis highlighted the work that EESC has done with its opinion on "Decent work in global supply chains" where, among other things, the EESC recommends cooperation between international organisations and other relevant stakeholders. This would include adopting a common language and common definitions of elements relating to global value chains, GSCs and decent work.