Highlights from the ILO’s first Innovation Day! ACTRAV showcased four initiatives helping trade unions navigate a world marked by crises, rapid tech change and attacks on multilateralism.

How can unions make sure workers’ voices shape national SDG policies? In a new evaluation, the ILO ACTRAV examined how unions in five countries worked to bring workers’ contributions into national SDG policies, and what lessons emerged. Here are 3 proven strategies for unions to influence policies:

“I think it important that as the workers constituents, we support and reinforce the ILO mandate […] to ensure there is decent work, and the worker's right is preserved.” Sylvia Choo, Director of Unions at the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC Singapore)

Fortaleciendo los derechos de los trabajadores en la economía de plataformas: Taide Alejandra González Baca, Secretaria General de la Federación de Sindicatos Unidos de la República Mexicana CROM, comparte sus perspectivas en la 113ª Conferencia Internacional del Trabajo en Ginebra.

The 113th ILC concluded on 13 June 2025, bringing together delegates from 187 countries. This year’s major outcomes included a new Convention on biological hazards, the launch of standard-setting talks on platform work, and a Resolution promoting the transition to formality.

Plataformas y justicia laboral: Desde la 113ª CIT, Danna Vargas, Secretaria de Juventud de Confederación General del Trabajo (CGT), destaca la urgencia de garantizar derechos laborales en la economía de plataformas.

À la 113e Conférence internationale du Travail, Yolande Dembega, Secrétaire générale adjointe de la Confédération nationale des travailleurs du Burkina, plaide pour une meilleure formalisation de l’emploi.

À la 113ème Conférence Internationale du Travail, Marylise Léon, Secrétaire Générale de la CFDT (France), plaide pour une reconnaissance claire du statut des travailleurs de plateformes. @cfdt.fr @maryliseleon.cfdt.fr

Workers' Perspectives at #ILC2025: At her first International Labour Conference, Melissa Ansell-Bridges, Secretary of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (Te Kauae Kaimahi), shares her passion for securing rights and protections for platform and contract workers.

Why the ILO Must Be Strengthened in Times of Global Crisis: At the 113th Session of the ILC, Luc Triangle, Secretary General of the International Trade Union Confederation, delivers a clear and powerful message: now more than ever, the world needs a strong ILO. @ituc.bsky.social @ilo.org

On 5 June, the ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo met with the Workers’ Group. He welcomed and thanked the worker delegates attending the ILC. He reiterated the critical importance of the ILO’s normative mandate and the ILO’s commitment to support its constituents across the world. #ILC2025

Workers’ Perspectives at #ILC2025 from the ILO’s Bureau for Workers’ Activities Laya Ferrer, from the Associated Labor Unions of the Philippines, shares her experience as a worker, a labour union member, and her hopes for her first International Labour Conference in Geneva.

In her address to the opening Plenary at #ILC2025, Catelene Passchier, Chairperson of the Workers’ group addressed the multiple challenges facing the workers and their unions.   Stay tuned for more updates from the 2025 International Labour Conference!

Workers delegates from around the world are gathering for the 113th session of the International Labour Conference. Here are some photos from the preparatory meeting of the 1 June. flic.kr/s/aHBqjCgxGN #ILC2025

The Workers’ Group held its first meeting on 1 June to elect its officers for the 113th session of the International Labour Conference, which officially opens tomorrow, 2 June.

The institutionalized denial of universal human rights drives the growth of child labour #EndChildLabour #ILC2025 @iloactrav.bsky.social @ipes-food.org @grain.org iufap.org/2025/06/01/t...

Formalization isn’t just a policy goal — it’s a pathway to dignity, equality, and sustainable development. This year, at the #ILC2025 we will explore innovative approaches to accelerate the transition to formality.

6 in 10 workers are in the informal economy; this means no contract and no social protection. Sharon Cangieter, President of WICSU-PSU in Sint Maarten shares her views on this critical issue for workers.

How can Europe tackle rising inequality and social exclusion? This urgent question is at the heart of a two-day regional conference organized by the ILO’s Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV) in Brussels, running from 27 to 28 May 2025.

“Yes with advances in technology there will be loss of jobs. But there’s also an opportunity that will likely be created, for new jobs.” Toni Moore, General Secretary of the Barbados Workers’ Union

"Technology must serve society—not just enrich a few." André Lewis, President of the Caribbean Congress of Labour, shares his vision for implementing a New Social Contract rooted in inclusion, better working conditions, and ethical innovation. Full interview is available on the ILO YouTube channel

Trade unions are central to ending informality which affects 6 out of 10 workers. It means no contracts, no social protection, and no voice at work. ACTRAV’s new report shows how unions are helping workers access rights, social protection, and fair income — even in the most precarious jobs.

To mark the World Day for Social Justice on February 20th, ACTRAV Info spoke with Mr. Kari Tapiola, former Deputy Director-General of the International Labour Organization, and a lifelong advocate for workers' rights. (Part 1)

On International Day for Education, we spotlight the vital role of education in empowering workers and fostering social justice. Vera dos Santos Costa, Programme Manager for Workers' Activities at the International Training Centre of the ILO, shares insights into how education empowers workers.

Signe Poulsen, Senior Human Rights advisor, UN Philippines answers to ACTRAV on her views on the implementation and compliance with the ILO international labour standards during the conference on the New Social Contract in December in Manila, Philippines. Full interview: shorturl.at/NE0av

At the occasion of the conference on the New Social Contract in December in Manila, Philippines, Sonny Matula, President of the Federation of Free Workers (Philippines) answers to ACTRAV info on his views on the needs of workers in the region and the role of trade unions to face challenges.

“The transformations going on in the world of work are happening so fast. […] As a result of that, the traditional institutions for change need to respond more rapidly to these changes.” Ernesto R. Bitonio, Jr. of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) (Philippines)

In December, unions, employers, governments, and academia from across Asia and the Pacific gathered in Manila, Philippines to discuss the New Social Contract. Organized by the @ilo.org ‘s ACTRAV, discussions centered on redefining economic and social policies in the face of global transformations.

The @iloactrav.bsky.social’s Victor Hugo Ricco discusses Convention 190, which for the first time addresses sexualised violence in the workplace internationally, on the We Work Europe #podcast at we-work-europe.podigee.io/28-legally-b... #podcast#1u #UnionStrong #LaborRadioPod

The conference on the New Social Contract is happening right now in Manila, here are 3 key messages from the first day of discussions:

"The gaps in how governments deliver for their citizens struggle at times to adapt to changes, such as the impact of artificial intelligence.” – Maria Helena André, Director of ILO ACTRAV, at the occasion of the Conference on the New Social Contract in Manila.

What is the New Social Contract and why is so important to talk about it today ? The ILO’s Bureau for Workers Activities is organising a series of conferences around the world to discuss how workers and their organizations may shape the #newsocialcontract

Maria Helena André, Director of ILO ACTRAV & Deborah France-Massin, Director of ILO ACT/EMPat the 1st Global Social Partners Academy discussed the future of social dialogue & collective bargaining, central to the ILO & ITCILO mandates. #socialdialogue #collectivebargaining

Unions play an important role to prepare their National Determined Contributions (NDC) under the #ParisAgreement. Lene Olsen, Senior Programme and Operations Specialist explains how the International Labour Organization supports unions to better advocate for a #JustTransition.

Larry Kohler, former @iloactrav.bsky.social & ICSU, highlights how environmental stakeholders, now known as major groups, were crucial in influencing Agenda21 and the world after the Rio Convention, and must continue to have more influence in the negotiations on the #TriplePlanetaryCrisis.

How can workers’ organizations advocate for a just transition while ensuring decent jobs for workers? Here the view of Lene Olsen, Senior Programme and Operations Specialist at ILO ACTRAV. #labor #justtransition #greentransition #tradeunions

🔴 Saludos fraternales en la apertura del #44CongresoUGT 🗣️ Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director General de la OIT @iloactrav.bsky.social 🗣️ Rafael Freire, Secretario General de la CSA

As #COP29 wraps up, here’s how trade unions are driving a just transition for workers in a changing world: