President, Ministers, Director General Somavia, Delegates and Friends of the ILO.

This is a historic year for the United Nations and the ILO.  It is the 60th anniversary of the UN Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the 60th anniversary of the ILO's adoption of Convention # 87 on the right to organize freely and independently. 

It is also the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the ILO's Declaration on the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and once again under the Declaration's follow up procedure, we are reviewing the two core Conventions of freedom of association – #s 87 and 98.

Freedom of association and respect for international workers’ rights and labor standards for workers, governments and employers are at the very core of this organization.  Tripartism is at its heart.

The work of this Conference is crucial to promoting Decent Work for all – including the discussions in the Applications Committee and the other committees, including those on strengthening the ILO's capacity, rural employment, and skills development.

For us in the AFL-CIO – the American Labor Movement – the Director General's Global Report on "Freedom of Association in practice: Lessons Learned" is of the highest  priority — because freedom of association is essential to prosperity and equality for working people around the globe. 

Sadly, the director General’s report notes the truth that the United States – along with China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, India and Brazil, together representing about half of the total labor force of ILO member states – have not ratified Convention # 87.  While the conditions vary greatly in these countries regarding fundamental human labor rights and freedom of association the report states, "No significant action towards ratification has been taken over the last four years in these countries.”  We are, however, hopeful the Brazilian Senate will complete the ratification of Convention No. 87 in the near future and appreciate the good faith efforts of the Brazilian Government.

The fact that the US has not ratified either Convention 87 or 98 – while the other ILO member countries in the Americas are at 94% ratification of Convention 87 and 91% ratification of Convention 98 – is clearly shameful. 

In the US, independent polls show that 44 million more workers would join a union – if they were not intimidated by employers. 

We intend to do something about that this year.  US labor law must be changed to ensure that workers can freely join unions, that large categories of workers currently excluded be protected, and that our laws effectively promote collective bargaining.

The US elections this November will give working families in America the opportunity to make the changes our nation so badly needs.