The International Labour Organization (ILO) has launched the first ever programme on living wages, in line with the 2024 tripartite agreement on wage policies, including living wages.
The ILO Director-General, Felix Houngbo, launched the programme along with International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) General Secretary, Luc Triangle; and International Organization of Employers (IOE) Secretary-General, Roberto Suárez Santo.
According to the news issued by the ILO on the initiative, the programme will estimate and operationalize living wages for the first time since the establishment of the ILO in 1919
Under the programme, estimations of living wages will be based on the ILO methodology, using data from national statistical offices, in consultation with employers’ and workers’ organizations.
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The programme will also seek to strengthen wage-setting institutions, particularly collective bargaining, and minimum wage systems, and identify root causes of low pay. To help this, the ILO will set up a “wage data hub,” supporting evidence-based wage-setting processes in ILO member-states.
Commenting on why the organization embarked on the initiative, the Director-General, said: “We live in a world in which inequalities remain enormous, social cohesion is under pressure, and where millions of workers are unable to afford a decent standard of living for themselves and their families.
“In this context, it is more important than ever that we take action to ensure that every worker earns a living wage so they and their families can lead a decent life”, Houngbo added.
In his remarks, ITUC General Secretary, explained that “the adoption of an ILO agreement on living wages constituted a major breakthrough to advance the wellbeing of millions of workers and their families worldwide; however there is major work to be done before the promise of a living wage for all workers is to be realized.”
Similarly, IOE Secretary-General clarified: “The concept of a living wage is important and useful for companies operating globally. Its implementation must consider both the needs of workers and their families, and the economic realities. Tackling informality and fostering an enabling environment for enterprises remain central to this agenda.”
While the programme is currently supported by the Netherlands and Germany, the ILO will also seek to draw support from new partners, including other governments, the private sector and other interested entities.
Photo Caption
L-R: International Organization of Employers (IOE) Secretary-General, Mr Roberto Suárez Santos; ILO Director-General, Mr Gilbert F. Houngbo; and International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) General Secretary, Mr Luc Triangle, during the launch of the Living Wages Programme
