THE INTERNATIONAL Labour Organization (ILO)’s Director-General, launched the first ever programme on living wages, along with International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) General Secretary Luc Triangle, and International Organization of Employers (IOE) Secretary-General Roberto Suárez Santos.
The programme will estimate and operationalize living wages for the first time since the establishment of the ILO in 1919 and it is in line with the 2024 tripartite agreement on wage policies, including living wages.
It is more important than ever that we take action to ensure that every worker earns a living wage so they and their families can lead a decent life.
Estimations of living wages will be based on the ILO methodology, using data from national statistical offices, in consultation with employers’ and workers’ organizations.
“We live in a world in which inequalities remain enormous, social cohesion is under pressure, and where millions of workers are unable to afford a decent standard of living for themselves and their families.
“In this context, it is more important than ever that we take action to ensure that every worker earns a living wage so they and their families can lead a decent life,” explained ILO Director-General Houngbo.
The adoption of an ILO agreement on living wages constituted a major breakthrough to advance the wellbeing of millions of workers and their families worldwide.
The programme will also seek to strengthen wage-setting institutions, particularly collective bargaining, and minimum wage systems, and identify root causes of low pay.
To help this, the ILO will set up a “wage data hub,” supporting evidence-based wage-setting processes in ILO Member States.
The concept of a living wage is important and useful for companies operating globally.
“The adoption of an ILO agreement on living wages constituted a major breakthrough to advance the wellbeing of millions of workers and their families worldwide; however, there is major work to be done before the promise of a living wage for all workers is to be realized,” said ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle.
“The concept of a living wage is important and useful for companies operating globally. Its implementation must consider both the needs of workers and their families, and the economic realities.
“Tackling informality and fostering an enabling environment for enterprises remain central to this agenda,” added IOE Secretary-General Roberto Suárez Santos.
The programme is supported by the Netherlands and Germany. The ILO will also seek to draw support from new partners, including other governments, the private sector and other interested entities.
