Key Outcomes of the 113th International Labour Conference (ILC) 2025: New Worker Protections & Global Labour Standards

Key Highlights from the 113th International Labour Conference 2025
1. Landmark Convention on Biological Hazards (C 192)
For the first time in history, the ILC adopted Convention No. 192 (C 192) to safeguard workers from biological hazards. This legally binding framework requires:
National policies to prevent workplace biological risks.
Employer responsibilities, including hazard assessments and preventive measures.
Worker training programs to recognize and mitigate biological threats.
Emergency response guidelines for outbreaks and pandemics.
An accompanying Recommendation (R 206) provides detailed guidance on:
Early warning systems.
Risk assessment protocols.
Exposure routes (airborne, contact, vector-borne).
This move ensures safer workplaces globally, especially in healthcare, agriculture, and laboratories.

2. Platform Economy Workers Gain New Protections
With the rise of gig and digital platform jobs, the ILC proposed:
A new Convention and Recommendation to secure fair wages, social security, and occupational safety for platform workers.
Discussions on algorithmic transparency and workers’ rights in digital employment.
Further deliberations at the 114th ILC in 2026 for final adoption.

3. Resolution to Reduce Workforce Informality
Millions work in informal sectors without job security or benefits. The ILC adopted a Resolution urging:
Social protection expansion for informal workers.
A global roadmap to formalize jobs.
Better working conditions and legal safeguards.

4. Strengthened Rights for Seafarers
Seven amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (2006) were approved, focusing on:
Preventing violence and harassment at sea.
Ensuring shore leave rights and medical care access.
Improved living and working conditions for seafarers.

5. International Labour Rights Monitoring
The ILC raised concerns over:
Myanmar’s forced labour practices and restrictions on worker unions.
Belarus’ crackdown on trade unionists, calling for international oversight.

6. Palestine Granted Observer Status
The ILC now recognizes Palestine as a non-member observer State, a shift from its previous “liberation movement” status.

7. Global Coalition for Social Justice Forum
Held alongside the ILC, this forum brought together governments, employers, and civil society to:
Promote fair labour policies.
Drive social justice initiatives worldwide.

Sample Questions & Answers
Q1: What is the significance of Convention C 192 adopted at the 113th ILC?
A1: Convention C 192 is the first global standard protecting workers from biological hazards, requiring national policies, employer accountability, and worker training to mitigate risks.
Q2: How does the ILC address gig workers’ rights?
A2: The ILC proposed a new Convention and Recommendation ensuring fair wages, social security, and safe working conditions for digital platform workers, with further discussions in 2026.
Q3: What changes were made to the Maritime Labour Convention?
A3: Seven amendments were approved, including anti-harassment measures, shore leave rights, and better medical care for seafarers.
Q4: What steps did the ILC take to reduce workforce informality?
A4: A Resolution was passed urging expanded social protection, formalization of jobs, and better working conditions for informal workers.
Q5: Why was Palestine’s status changed at the ILC?
A5: Palestine was granted non-member observer State status, moving away from its previous classification as a liberation movement.