Membership In ILO Will Bring In Technical Assistance
By Sobrina Rosli

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei stands to benefit from its membership in the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which has the potential of helping shape a positive image much needed in the sultanates drive to diversify its economy.

"Joining the ILO will certainly help in Brunei's efforts to diversify its economy as well as increase the country's exports," said Tim de Meyer, ILO senior specialist on international labour standards. Brunei became the 180th member of the ILO as of January 17 this year.

"The positive outcomes of joining the ILO include the ability of the country t o adhere to international labour standards," he said in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.

"It is good that Brunei has decided to join (the international body) as it recognises the support it needs (in the area of labour standards). It is challenging for every country to create a standard decent working environment in this era of globalisation," he added.

Among benefits of being an ILO member-country is direct access to technical assistance that is needed to address issues on unemployment and to ensure adherence to labour standards.

Brunei will be joining the International Labour Conference in June this year in Geneva. Asked about ILO's assessment of Brunei's labour standards, Meyer said: "It's too early to say but we can only formally assess the country's standards through the invitation of the Brunei Government, and we are waiting for that."

"Once the country is endorsed into the ILO, we can then come in and do our assessment as well as hold seminars and workshops for the government."

The ILO is a UN agency which promotes social justice and internationally recognised human and labour rights.

Founded in 1919 it is the first specialised agency of the UN.

The ILO systematises international labour standards in the form of conventions and recommendations setting minimum standards of basic labour rights: freedom of association, the right to organise, collective bargaining, abolition of forced labour, equality of opportunity and treatment and other standards regulating conditions across the entire spectrum of work-related issues. The areas under which it provides technical assistance include: employment policy, labour administration, labour law and industrial relations, and labour statistics and occupational safety and health.

The ILO promotes the development of independent employers' and workers' organisations and provides training and advisory services to those organisations.

It has a unique tripartite structure with workers and employers participating as equal partners with governments.  -- Courtesy of The Brunei  Times

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