standard-setting system and, together with local unions, use the mechanisms of its supervisory system and the technical assistance tools of the International Labour Office. How do trade unions actually engage
at the ILO? In 2. below, we provide some information on the ILO’s forums and mechanisms used by trade unions in their representation and advocacy work, which will be further explained in the guide units that follow.
2. What do unions do at the ILO? Trade unions have played a leading role in the ILO since its creation in 1919, and continue to be its driving force today.8 Trade unions participate
in the ILO through various spaces and mechanisms. Below is a diagram presenting the different forms of trade union participation in the ILO.
FORMS OF TRADE UNION PARTICIPATION IN THE ILO
Participation in the ILO Governing Body
Participation in the process of elaboration and adoption of standards
Participation in the composition of the supervisory bodies
Use of international labour standards
Participation in the International Labour Conference
Participation in the standards review procedure
Participation in the regular monitoring procedures of the ILO
Use of pronouncements of the supervisory bodies
Use of International Labour Office tools
Participation in the procedure for the repeal and withdrawal of standards
Use of ILO special monitoring resources
8. TAPIOLA, Kari. ILO. The Driving Force Birth and Evolution of Tripartism - The Role of the ILO Workers' Group. Geneva: ILO, 2019. Available: https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_dialogue/---actrav/documents/publication/wcms_710908.pdf
18
PRACTICAL GUIDE TO TRADE UNION ACTION AT THE ILO