Brussels, 18 November 200: The ITUC has welcomed the re-election today of International Labour Organisation Director General Juan Somavia for a further term, at the meeting of the ILO’s Governing Body in Geneva.
“The ITUC and the Workers’ Group of the ILO supported Mr Somavia in his re-election, and we congratulate him on today’s important outcome. The ILO has an essential role to play in promoting the Decent Work agenda, most especially at this most difficult time when the global economy is in crisis and jobs and living standards are under such serious threat”, said ITUC General Secretary Guy Ryder.
The ILO, as the UN specialised agency dealing with the world of work, is a tripartite body bringing together representatives of governments, employers and trade unions. At its annual conference this year, it adopted a landmark Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalisation, which in the ILO’s words represents a “new strategy to sustain open economies and open societies based on social justice, full and productive employment, sustainable enterprises and social cohesion”.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Juan Somavia during his forthcoming mandate to make decent work a reality for all working people, and to deal with the enormous challenges facing the world community”, said Ryder.
The ITUC represents 168 million workers in 155 countries and territories and has 311 national affiliates.
For more information, please contact the ITUC Press Department on the following numbers: +32 2 224 0204 or +32 476 621 018.
