Labour

International Labour Organization (ILO)

Greece is a founding member of the International Labour Organization and the first country to have ratified the six first Conventions of this organization. Greece is well known for having ratified a large number of labour conventions.

Since the establishment of the ILO, Greece has participated continuously and actively in the organization’s work in the spirit of reinforcing the tripartite principle. This principle is a unique characteristic of the ILO, which sets the organization apart from the other UN specialized agencies, a feature that enhances the promotion of social dialogue, at both the European and national levels.

Greece supports the social dimension of globalization as described in the Decent Work Agenda of the ILO and contributed along with all EU members to the consensus adoption by the International Labour Conference of 2008 of “The ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization”.

 In her recent intervention at the International Labour Conference of 2008, the Minister of Employment and Social Protection, Ms. Fanny Palli-Petralia, focused on the Reform of the Social Security System in Greece, through which the Greek Government is committed to apply an integrated reform programme aiming at the promotion of sustainable economic growth, more and better jobs and enhanced social cohesion.

Greece has actively participated in the drafting of the Maritime Labour Convention of 2006 and was a staunch supporter of the adoption of the 2007 Work in Fishing Convention and Recommendation, during the 96th session of the International Labour Conference (May-June 2007). Both instruments are on their way for ratification by the Greek Parliament.

It also actively participates in the meetings of the Geneva-based IMEC (Industrialized Market Economy Countries) Group.