Ilo And Declaration Of Philadelphia

Question 1

Why was the ILO established in 1919?

Answer 1

• Created as part of the Treaty of Versailles (post-WWI) to promote social justice and labour standards.
• Influenced by:
  
  • Industrial Revolution (worker exploitation).
  • Labour movements (demands for fair wages & unions).
  • Russian Revolution (1917) (fear of worker unrest).
• Goal: Prevent future wars by ensuring fair working conditions globally.

Question 2

What were the primary objectives of the ILO at its founding?

Answer 2

1. Improve labour conditions (working hours, safety).
2. Protect workers’ rights (freedom of association, no forced labour).
3. Establish social security (pensions, unemployment benefits).
4. Abolish child labour (minimum age laws).
5. Promote gender equality (equal pay, maternity protection).
6. Ensure industrial peace (collective bargaining, dispute resolution).

Question 3

Name key conventions adopted by the ILO in its early years.

Answer 3

• Hours of Work Convention (1919): 8-hour workday, 48-hour week.
• Unemployment Convention (1919): Encouraged unemployment insurance.
• Maternity Protection Convention (1919): Paid maternity leave.
• Minimum Age Convention (1919): Banned child labour.

Question 4

What was the significance of the Declaration of Philadelphia?

Answer 4

• Adopted in 1944 during WWII to redefine the ILO’s mission.
• Key Principles:
  
  1. Labour is not a commodity (workers ≠ economic objects).
  2. Freedom & dignity for workers (no forced labour/discrimination).
  3. Economic growth must ensure social justice (fair wages, job security).
  4. Equal opportunity for all (gender/racial equality in work).

Question 5

How did the Declaration reshape the ILO’s role?

Answer 5

1. Expanded ILO’s mandate beyond labour laws to human rights & social security.
2. Influenced post-war reconstruction (e.g., welfare policies in Europe & India).
3. Inspired later frameworks like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948).

Question 6

How did the ILO shape India’s labour laws post-independence?

Answer 6

• Constitutional Provisions:
  
  • Article 19(1)(c): Right to form trade unions.
  • Article 42: Maternity benefits.
• Key Laws Inspired by ILO:
  
  • Minimum Wages Act (1948).
  • Factories Act (1948) (safety & working hours).
  • Maternity Benefit Act (1961).

Question 7

Which ILO conventions has India ratified?

Answer 7

• Forced Labour Convention (No. 29) (1930).
• Equal Remuneration Convention (No. 100) (1951).
• Abolition of Child Labour Convention (No. 138) (1973).
• Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (No. 182) (1999).

Question 8

What is the ILO’s current mission?

Answer 8

• “Decent Work for All” (fair wages, job security, safe conditions).
• Focus areas:
  
  • Gig economy workers’ rights.
  • Climate change & labour.
  • Ending modern slavery & child labour.