ENB:10:14
[Next] .
[Previous] .
[Contents]
CHAPTER III. PRODUCTIVE EMPLOYMENT AND THE REDUCTION OF UNEMPLOYMENT
The ILO said a global strategy for full employment requires improving the international economic system, the commitment of governments, and restructuring international institutions. The ICFTU said that full integration of women in the labour force and protection of children are essential to resolving social disintegration. The International Chamber of Commerce said that training must be better adapted to changing needs. Algeria, on behalf of the G-77 and China, said that the solution to unemployment lies in the development of productive capacities, and that economic cooperation can prevent conflict and war.
Germany, on behalf of the EU, said that countries should expand productive employment, increase training, and eliminate those jobs that violate human rights. Sweden, on behalf of the Nordic countries, said that while the main responsibility for generating employment lies with governments, international cooperation can facilitate national initiatives. Cameroon stressed the linkage between employment policies and social and investment policies. Chile emphasized: reduction of youth unemployment; training and education; ratification of labor agreements; and the impact of technology. India said that women's unpaid work must be recognized and that increased wages should accompany the expansion of employment. Cuba called for explicit reference to the barriers to employment generation.
Bangladesh noted the serious problem of unemployed youth in developing countries. Singapore said that many of the ILO standards for workers rights do not reflect the social and economic realities of developing countries. Fiji called for greater reference to the linkages between unemployment and poverty. Ecuador called for greater market access for developing country commodities.
Japan emphasized vocational training and increased attention to the disabled. Austria called for greater reference to the specific labour needs of women. Burkina Faso requested greater concern for the young and the elderly, especially in rural areas. China said that governments should develop labour-intensive means of production. The Women's Caucus stated that unemployment is a symptom of a market system that puts profits before people, with women bearing a disproportionate burden.
The International Cooperative Alliance called for reference to the role of cooperatives in creating and maintaining employment. The United States emphasized: job creation; training and education; employment safety-nets; better integration of the formal and informal sectors; and the role of the ILO. Australia recommended: recognition of the role of the service sector; education and training; and informal-sector employment growth.
Benin stressed the need for adequate training programmes, creation of positive employment and the role of the informal sector. Iran said that job creation is an important means of achieving policy goals as well as an end in itself. Canada called for the removal of obstacles that prevent people from participating in their own domestic markets and access to credit. Switzerland called for concrete measures for the generation of productive employment.
Malaysia expressed concern about the efforts of developed countries to impose protectionist economic and social norms on developing countries that erode their competitiveness. Namibia suggested that the relatively weak African manufacturing sector should be developed. Kenya said that provision of adequate education and training cannot be overemphasized. He also stressed expanding opportunities for self-employment and developing micro-enterprises, cooperatives and small-scale agriculture.
The Russian Federation proposed that the UN examine the social aspects of industrial conversion. The Republic of Korea noted that general education promotes access to better jobs. The Trickle-Up Programme recommended enhanced collaboration between international organizations. Rehabilitation International called for increased reference to disabled people. Indonesia stated that manpower should not be treated as a commodity in the development process. Antigua and Barbuda stated that work done by women in the home must be recognized. The United Nations University related insights from a recent conference, including the observation that there is no universal solution to these issues.
The World Bank tabled a number of concrete recommendations. The International Steps Foundation made a series of recommendations based on a conference convened in May on the issue of employment. Mexico called for more active ILO participation in the drafting of the chapter on employment.