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ADB Hosts Labor Standards Workshop

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (17 September 2002) - The important role of labor standards in social and economic development will be discussed at a regional workshop from 18 to 19 September at the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The international workshop completes two years of joint work between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and ADB.

Progress in ensuring compliance with labor standards has been uneven in Asia. Child labor is prevalent in many developing countries and bonded labor is reported in some Asian countries. Discrimination at the workplace for reasons such as gender, race, caste, age, religious and political beliefs, is widely reported. Some governments in the region repress unions and impede workers from meeting freely to discuss working conditions. Many workers are exposed to health hazards and suffer avoidable accidents. There is overwhelming evidence that promoting decent working conditions reduces poverty, raises living standards, and enhances the quality of growth by increasing productivity. For these reasons, many countries and development agencies are supporting improved labor standards.

During the workshop, participants will discuss critical issues and identify best practices on labor standards. Steps for regional actions will be outlined to help move children from work to school; eliminate the worst forms of child labor; provide more and better jobs for women; and reduce occupational safety and health hazards. The workshop will also propose recommendations on social corporate responsibility for private sector companies and multilateral financial institutions.

Mr. Lee Swepston, Chief of ILO's Equality and Employment Branch in Geneva, will deliver the keynote address on "The Importance of Labor Standards for Development". Participants include representatives from Bangladesh, Nepal, Philippines and Thailand; labor and employer organizations; labor research institutes; social accountability/auditing companies, nongovernment organizations and international aid agencies.

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