On International Labour Day (1 May 2026), the Paschim Banga Cha Majoor Samity (PBCMS), a non-political union representing tea garden workers in West Bengal, escalated a long-standing labour dispute by filing a formal representation before the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Key Point
Invocation of Article 24 of the ILO Constitution
The union invoked Article 24 of the ILO Constitution, which allows workers’ organizations to file representations against a member state for the ineffective implementation of ratified labour conventions. Through this mechanism, the PBCMS alleged that the Indian government has persistently failed to fulfil its international labour obligations.
Allegations of Systemic Labour Rights Violations
The representation accused the authorities of maintaining a “systemic regime of labour rights violations.” According to the union, there has been continued non-compliance with important international commitments relating to:
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Prohibition of forced labour
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Equal remuneration for workers
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Protection of indigenous and tribal populations
Major Grievances Raised by the Union
The union highlighted several critical issues affecting tea garden workers. These include:
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Non-payment of wages
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Failure to deposit Provident Fund (PF) contributions
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Non-payment of gratuity benefits
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Absence of statutory minimum wage enforcement
Evidence of Extreme Economic and Nutritional Distress
The PBCMS conducted a survey covering nearly 20,000 workers, which revealed alarming levels of deprivation. According to the survey:
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Around 44% of workers had a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 17
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The data indicated widespread chronic hunger and severe malnutrition
Allegations of Starvation Deaths
The representation also referred to alleged starvation deaths among Adivasi tea garden workers. It described the situation as a collapse of the governance and welfare system, arguing that state authorities failed to ensure basic livelihood and social security protections.
All About International Labour Organization (ILO)
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is the only tripartite agency of the United Nations, bringing together representatives of governments, employers, and workers from its 187 member States. Since its establishment, the organization has worked to set international labour standards, formulate labour policies, and promote decent work for all women and men.
History Behind the Establishment
The ILO was established in 1919 under the Treaty of Versailles as an affiliated agency of the League of Nations following the end of the First World War.
The creation of the organization was based on the belief that “social justice is essential to universal and lasting peace.” The founders recognized that poor working conditions, exploitation, and inequality could threaten global peace and stability.
In 1946, the ILO became the first specialized agency affiliated with the United Nations.
Headquarters
The headquarters of the ILO is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
Founding Mission and Objectives
The primary mission of the ILO is to promote:
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Social justice
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Internationally recognized labour and human rights
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Decent working conditions
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Employment security and dignity of labour
Nobel Peace Prize
The ILO was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969 in recognition of its contribution to:
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Improving peace among social classes
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Promoting justice and decent work for workers
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Providing technical assistance to developing countries
Major Contributions of the ILO
Over the decades, the ILO has played an important role in addressing global labour challenges and promoting workers’ rights.
During the Great Depression
The organization contributed significantly to protecting labour rights and improving employment conditions during the economic crisis of the 1930s.
Decolonization Process
The ILO supported newly independent countries in developing labour laws, employment policies, and social protection systems.
Support to Solidarność in Poland
The ILO played a notable role during the rise of Solidarność in Poland, which became an important movement for labour rights and democratic reforms.
Struggle Against Apartheid
The organization also contributed to international efforts against Apartheid in South Africa by advocating equality and workers’ rights.
Organisational Structure of the International Labour Organization (ILO)
International Labour Conference (ILC)
The International Labour Conference is the highest decision-making body of the ILO and is often referred to as the “International Parliament of Labour.”
It meets annually in Geneva and serves as a global forum for discussing major social and labour issues.
The Conference is responsible for:
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Formulating international labour standards
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Determining the broad policies of the ILO
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Adopting Conventions and Recommendations
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Approving the organization’s programme and budget
Governing Body
The Governing Body acts as the executive council of the ILO.
It meets three times every year in Geneva and is responsible for taking important policy decisions of the organization.
Its major functions include:
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Preparing the programme and budget of the ILO
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Supervising the functioning of the International Labour Office
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Implementing policy decisions adopted by the Conference
International Labour Office
The International Labour Office serves as the permanent secretariat of the ILO.
It acts as the operational and administrative centre of the organization and functions under the supervision of the Governing Body and the leadership of the Director-General.
The Office is responsible for:
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Implementing ILO programmes and activities
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Conducting research and preparing reports
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Providing technical assistance to member States
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Coordinating the overall activities of the organization
Functions of the ILO
The ILO performs several important functions aimed at promoting labour welfare, social justice, and decent working conditions globally.
Formulation of Labour Policies
The organization formulates coordinated policies and programmes to address social and labour problems at both national and international levels.
Adoption of International Labour Standards
The ILO adopts international labour standards in the form of:
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Conventions
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Recommendations
It also monitors and supervises the implementation of these standards by member countries.
Assistance to Member States
The organization provides technical and advisory assistance to countries in addressing labour and social welfare challenges.
Protection of Human Rights
The ILO works for the protection of fundamental labour rights, including:
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Right to work
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Freedom of association
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Collective bargaining
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Protection against forced labour
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Protection against discrimination
Research and Publications
The organization conducts extensive research and publishes reports, studies, and data on employment, labour rights, and social security issues.
Objectives of the ILO
The major objectives of the ILO are centred on promoting social justice and decent work.
Promotion of Fundamental Rights at Work
The ILO seeks to promote and realize fundamental principles and rights at work for all workers.
Creation of Decent Employment Opportunities
It aims to create greater opportunities for women and men to obtain decent and productive employment.
Expansion of Social Protection
The organization works to improve the coverage and effectiveness of social protection systems across member States.
Strengthening Tripartism and Social Dialogue
The ILO promotes tripartism and social dialogue among governments, employers, and workers in order to maintain harmonious industrial relations.
International Labour Standards
The ILO establishes international labour standards through Conventions and Recommendations.
Decent Work Agenda of the ILO
The International Labour Organization introduced the Decent Work Agenda to ensure that every person gets access to productive employment under conditions of freedom, equality, security, and human dignity.
The agenda reflects the belief that economic growth alone is not sufficient unless workers also enjoy:
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Fair wages
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Safe working conditions
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Social security
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Labour rights
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Equal opportunities
The ILO seeks to achieve these goals through four major pillars:
Promotion of Employment Opportunities
The ILO works to create greater opportunities for decent and productive employment for both women and men. It emphasizes employment generation that provides dignity, stability, and adequate income.
Social Protection
The organization promotes stronger social protection systems such as:
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Health insurance
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Pension benefits
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Unemployment assistance
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Maternity benefits
These measures help workers and their families maintain economic security during crises and throughout their life cycle.
Social Dialogue
The ILO encourages social dialogue among:
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Governments
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Employers
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Workers’ organizations
This dialogue helps resolve industrial disputes peacefully and promotes harmonious labour relations.
Respect for International Labour Standards
The organization promotes the implementation of international labour standards to protect workers against exploitation, discrimination, forced labour, and unsafe working conditions.
To support these objectives, the ILO provides technical assistance and policy guidance to more than 100 countries across the world.
ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work
The ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work was adopted in 1998.
Through this declaration, all member States committed themselves to respect and promote certain fundamental labour rights, even if they had not formally ratified the related conventions.
The declaration identifies four core categories of labour rights.
Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining
Workers and employers have the right to:
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Form organizations and trade unions
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Join associations of their choice
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Participate in collective bargaining
These rights are protected under:
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Convention No. 87
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Convention No. 98
The objective is to ensure democratic participation and protect workers from exploitation.
Elimination of Forced or Compulsory Labour
The declaration calls for the abolition of all forms of forced labour, where individuals are compelled to work against their will.
This principle is covered under:
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Convention No. 29
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Convention No. 105
The ILO considers forced labour a violation of basic human rights and human dignity.
Abolition of Child Labour
The organization seeks to eliminate child labour and protect children from hazardous and exploitative work.
This objective is addressed through:
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Convention No. 138, which fixes the minimum age for employment
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Convention No. 182, which targets the worst forms of child labour
The goal is to ensure that children receive education, health protection, and opportunities for proper development.
Elimination of Discrimination in Employment and Occupation
The ILO promotes equality at workplaces and opposes discrimination based on:
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Gender
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Race
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Religion
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Social origin
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Other identities
This principle is governed by:
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Convention No. 100
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Convention No. 111
The objective is to guarantee equal opportunities and equal remuneration for all workers.
Core Conventions of the ILO
The eight core conventions of the ILO are regarded as the foundation of international labour rights.
These conventions form an important part of the global human rights framework and represent internationally accepted labour standards.
The eight core conventions are:
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Forced Labour Convention (No. 29)
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Abolition of Forced Labour Convention (No. 105)
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Equal Remuneration Convention (No. 100)
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Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention (No. 111)
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Minimum Age Convention (No. 138)
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Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (No. 182)
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Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention (No. 87)
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Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention (No. 98)
These conventions are highly significant in the modern world because globalization, automation, and economic changes have created new challenges for workers’ welfare and job security.
The conventions collectively strengthen:
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Human rights
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Social justice
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Labour protection
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Inclusive economic development
India and the ILO
India is a founding member of the ILO and has remained a permanent member of the ILO Governing Body since 1922.
The first ILO office in India was established in 1928, and since then the organization has worked closely with India in areas such as:
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Labour welfare
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Skill development
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Employment generation
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Social protection
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Elimination of child labour
Conventions Ratified by India
India has ratified six of the eight core conventions of the ILO. These include:
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Forced Labour Convention (No. 29)
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Abolition of Forced Labour Convention (No. 105)
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Equal Remuneration Convention (No. 100)
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Discrimination Convention (No. 111)
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Minimum Age Convention (No. 138)
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Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (No. 182)
Conventions Not Ratified by India
India has not ratified:
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Convention No. 87
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Convention No. 98
These conventions relate to:
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Freedom of association
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Right to organize
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Collective bargaining
Reasons for Non-Ratification
The Indian government has argued that ratification could conflict with restrictions placed on government employees under existing service rules.
Ratification may require granting rights such as:
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Right to strike
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Freedom to criticize government policies openly
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Freedom to join international organizations
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Freedom to receive foreign financial assistance
These rights are currently limited for government servants in India.