The International Labour Organisation (ILO) adopted historic international labour standards to protect workers from biological hazards. These were established at the 113th International Labour Conference held from 2–13 June 2025 in Geneva. This groundbreaking Convention (C 192) calls on countries to develop policies to prevent exposure and manage biological threats across all sectors and job types worldwide.
The standard includes mandates for risk assessments, emergency preparedness, and training for workers. It emphasizes employer–employee collaboration in reducing workplace hazards related to biological threats.
NEW RECOMMENDATION OFFERS PRACTICAL GUIDANCE ON PANDEMIC AND OUTBREAK PREPAREDNESS
Accompanying the Convention, the new Recommendation offers a clear roadmap for implementation. It includes protocols for epidemics, pandemics, and accidents involving biological threats.
It defines routes of transmission—airborne, contact, or vector-borne—and urges early warning systems and effective training for workers in all industries. The Convention and Recommendation work together to create a powerful global framework. This framework addresses biological hazards now. addressing hazards from biological origins, It also preparespreparing for future public health crises.
LABOUR PROTECTIONS IN THE DIGITAL PLATFORM ECONOMY
In a first-of-its-kind discussion, the ILC examined decent work in the platform economy. This signaled serious attention to the rights of digital platform workers.
The session agreed on a dual instrument approach—a Convention and a Recommendation. This will define minimum protections, ranging from fair pay to social security and privacy. This effort aims to ensure technology and fairness move hand in hand, as the ILO prepares to finalize the instruments in its 114th session in 2026.
TRANSITION FROM INFORMAL TO FORMAL WORK
Another major outcome was a new Resolution on informality. It urges countries to act now. The goal is to improve working conditions and expand social protection.
It calls for the creation of decent jobs, particularly in sectors and regions hardest hit by informality. It outlines plans for a global roadmap for transition. This resolution reinforces the ILO’s longstanding commitment to building inclusive, sustainable economies through fair and regulated work structures that mitigate biological hazards.
AMENDMENTS TO MARITIME LABOUR CONVENTION
The ILC adopted seven amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006). These amendments address violence, harassment, and workers’ rights on ships.
The changes guarantee shore leave. They recognize seafarers as essential workers. The changes also improve access to medical care and fair treatment during accidents or detention. These updates reflect a broader push to protect maritime workers’ health, dignity, and labour rights amid evolving global challenges including biological hazards at sea.
SOCIAL JUSTICE TAKES CENTRE STAGE AT GLOBAL COALITION FORUM
On 12 June, the second Global Coalition for Social Justice forum took place. It reaffirmed global partners’ commitment to real action for fairer work conditions.
The forum was hosted alongside the ILC. It featured leaders from Dominican Republic and Brazil. UN agencies and other stakeholders also participated. They united around labour and equity goals. Their presence reinforced the growing consensus that social justice, especially in addressing biological hazards, must be a shared, global responsibility, especially in times of crisis and transition.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS ON MYANMAR, PALESTINE, AND BELARUS
The ILC adopted a Resolution on Myanmar, urging the military to implement past recommendations on freedom of association and the elimination of forced labour. In a symbolic step, the ILC recognized Palestine as a non-member observer State, advancing its engagement in global labour discussions beyond its previous status.
Delegates condemned Belarus for its continued persecution of trade unionists. They demanded compliance with ILO Conventions 87 and 98. These conventions protect free association rights, essential in safeguarding workers against biological hazards.
2026–27 BUDGET APPROVED ALONGSIDE PROGRAMME PRIORITIES
Delegates approved the ILO’s Programme and Budget for 2026–27. This ensures necessary funding for its expanding work in occupational safety and managing biological threats. It also supports digital transformation and equity.
Eighteen new ratifications from eight Member States were registered during the conference. This reinforces the ILO’s core mission in these turbulent global times.
ILO DIRECTOR-GENERAL REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO GLOBAL SOCIAL DIALOGUE
ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo emphasized that social dialogue and democratic institutions are critical for building trust, cohesion, and sustainable development.
He urged continued dedication to the ILO’s mandate, reminding delegates that “we are duty bound to keep moving steadfastly forward on the quest for social justice.” Biological hazards require vigilant dialogue for effective management.
A TRANSFORMATIVE MOMENT FOR GLOBAL LABOUR RIGHTS
The 113th International Labour Conference marked a historic turning point, setting the foundation for safer, fairer, and more inclusive workplaces worldwide.
By adopting concrete standards on biological hazards and beginning work on platform economy rights, the ILO is helping shape the future of work with justice at its core.
