Brussels, 11 December 2009 (ITUC OnLine): It is with great sadness that the ITUC has learnt of the passing, on 9 December, of M Francis Blanchard, Director-General of the International Labour Organisation from 1974 – 1989.

Mr Blanchard served the ILO for 38 years, and was particularly instrumental in the development of its technical cooperation activities and the decentralisation of its work. But it was as Director-General that the full extent of his talents became evident as he gave the leadership which carried the organisation through the difficult and conflictual final years of the Cold War.

“The success of the ILO during Mr Blanchard’s mandate and the fact that it was to the fore in bringing about historic and lasting change to the world was due in no small part to his firm attachment to the principles and mission of the Organisation. He refused to be deflected from them, despite the immense political pressures acting on him. He led with wisdom, distinction, skill and commitment and will be mourned by trade unionists across the world, many of whom owe the exercise of their rights to the work he did,” said ITUC General Secretary Guy Ryder.

For more information, see: www.ilo.org

Photo: UN Photo Library

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