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5.2.4.Recurrent Discussion Committee
Example of trade union use of the General Discussion Committee
Guidelines and policy directives on the transition from the informal to the formal economy
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Trade unions actively participated and strategically influenced the General Discussion Committee on the Informal Economy at the 2002 International Labour Conference. As a result of this work, several of the trade union demands were included in the Commission's Report that was finally submitted to the Conference for adoption. The result was the adoption of the Resolution concerning decent work and the informal economy.17 The guidelines of this Resolution helped to support the adoption of Recommendation 204 on the transition from the informal economy to the formal economy, adopted at the Conference in 2015. The Preamble to Recommendation 204 makes specific reference to the 2002 Resolution concerning Decent Work and the Informal Economy and its Conclusions.
5.2.4. Recurrent Discussion Committee
The Recurrent Discussion Committee is the technical committee of the Conference that is responsible for following up on the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization (ILO, 2008) on the strategic objectives of decent work, namely freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining; the effective prohibition of all forms of forced labor; the elimination of child labor; and the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation. The procedure of this technical commission is also regulated by Article 11ter of the General Standing Orders of the International Labour Conference.
The Office prepares a report as a basis for discussion that: Analyzes global trends in law and practice in each of the four categories of principles and rights; Provides an overview of the progress made and the remaining challenges in selected areas of thematic concern and in the ratification of core conventions; and Highlights good practices that constituents have adopted to promote fundamental principles and rights at work and to ensure their respect and implementation.
The objectives of the recurrent discussion are to: Improve understanding of the evolution, realities, and needs of Member States with respect to each of the four principles; Reflect on the results and impact of the activities undertaken by the Office and the constituents to promote fundamental principles and rights at work and to ensure their respect and application, in particular in relation to ILO action plans;
17. https://www.ilo.org/global/docs/WCMS_080105/lang--en/index.htm
Possibly develop and adopt a resolution establishing priorities and guidance for the development of ILO action plans.
Recurrent discussions were introduced following the adoption of the Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization (ILO, 2008). These discussions are held according to a cycle decided by the Governing Body. As stated in the document International Labour Conference. The Standing Orders at a Glance (ILO, 2019), the Rules of Procedure of the Conference do not contain any provisions governing the working methods of a recurrent discussion committee. According to current practice, recurrent discussions usually follow the procedures for general discussions.
Example of trade union use of the Recurrent Discussion Committee
Social Protection Policy Guidelines and Directives
Trade unions had a strategic impact on the Recurrent Discussion Committee on Social Protection (Social Security) at the 2011 International Labour Conference. Thanks to this work, several of the trade union demands were included in the Commission's Report that was finally submitted to the Conference for adoption. The result was the adoption of the Resolution concerning the recurrent discussion on social protection (social security).18 A text with key elements for a possible recommendation on Social Protection Floor was annexed to this Resolution. Finally, the following year, in 2012, the Conference adopted Recommendation 202 on social protection floors.
