ILO must reframe its strategic objectives: EFC

Monday, 9 June 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

In his speech at the 103rd International Labour Conference in Geneva last week, the Director General of the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC) called upon the ILO to consider a review of its strategic objectives in the light of global unemployment and the social injustice it creates in the world today.

In addressing the 103rd International Labour Conference last week, in Geneva, EFC Director General Ravi Peiris emphasised that the time has come for the ILO to reframe its strategic objectives. As the employer delegate from Sri Lanka, Peiris stated that the ILO must be less prescriptive and more proactive. He said that global unemployment has now reached 202 million, a five million increase from last year. One in every eight, under-25 year olds is unemployed. “Is this social justice?” Peiris asked. He emphasised that the ILO must be innovative, and create an environment for employment creation. “Social justice demands an enabling environment for employment creation. It also demands jobs to make a living,” he said. Peiris pointed out the need to look at employment beyond prescriptive standards. The practice of prescribing idealist uniform standards inhibits employment generation. “We need to look at the world of work from a different pair of spectacles. We must put on lenses which are far sighted and ensure a more pleasant and productive world of work for our future generations. Sustainable enterprises hold the key for productive work.”