The International Labour Organization (ILO) prepares a new global convention aimed at safeguarding workers exposed to biological hazards and toxic substances.
GENEVA — June 2, 2025, 16:05
Updated June 2, 2025, 17:21
Geneva, June 2 (EFE). — Trade unions and employers’ organizations from more than 190 countries are meeting with their governments at the annual conference of the International Labour Organization (ILO), which plans to approve a new convention providing special protection for workers exposed to various biological risks—such as pathogens, hazardous products, or toxic waste. A recent report highlights a setback in labor rights in the Americas and Europe over the last decade.
Negotiators have two weeks starting today to finalize key details of the legal text, including the scope of this new international instrument, the sectors it will apply to, and which specific workers will be protected. In the medical and research sectors, workers may be exposed to bacteriological agents or microorganisms during food processing and the handling of raw ingredients. In agriculture, risks include animal and plant diseases; in waste management, those working in these activities face elevated hazards.
Digital Services
The ILO will also begin discussions on international standards for decent work on digital platforms—a sector currently lacking global regulation. Many employees work remotely from countries different from where their companies or clients are based, often without legal protections.
The level of interest among member countries has surprised ILO experts: a recent questionnaire on the topic drew the highest number of responses in the organization’s history. Another important discussion will address amendments to the 2006 Maritime Labour Convention, seeking to ensure effective shore leave rights for seafarers and prevent violence and harassment—including sexual harassment—on board ships.
A more delicate issue will be the ILO budget for 2026–2027, particularly due to cuts in U.S. funding to all United Nations agencies.U.S. contributions have represented 22% of the ILO’s regular budget. If these funds stop, China and Japan will become the largest contributors. Together, the three countries currently account for half of the regular budget.
The ILO, a specialized UN agency operating on a unique tripartite model (two votes for governments, one each for unions and employers), will present a biennial budget of $880 million—steady compared to previous years.
United States
ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo explained that an invoice for the full expected contribution will be sent to the United States, which has not formally communicated whether it will reduce or end its funding.
If the U.S. ultimately does not pay, “the budget will be reconsidered and adjusted accordingly,” Houngbo said. To prepare for the expected financial shortfall, the ILO is launching an internal restructuring process, aiming to reduce 200 of its 3,600 staff, initially through a voluntary separation program to be implemented soon.
Additionally, part of the staff may be relocated to lower-cost regions, though the core of the ILO’s activities will remain in Geneva.
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