WORKING CONDITIONS
Ethical fashion is based on the working conditions of workers. The ILO (International Labour Organization), founded on April 11, 1919, following the First World War, aims to “pursue a vision based on the principle that there can be no universal and lasting peace without decent treatment of workers.” Since 1946, it has been a specialized agency of the UN. Its motto is “ si vis pacem, cole justitiam” (“if you want peace, cultivate justice”). Its mission is to bring together governments, employers, and workers of its member states within the framework of a tripartite institution, with a view to joint action to promote rights at work, encourage the creation of decent jobs, develop social protection, and strengthen social dialogue in the field of labor.
The ILO aims to ensure decent working conditions in UN member countries. It has therefore defined eight “fundamental conventions” relating to the fundamental principles of labor law.
Work is chosen and performed freely = no forced labor.
ILO Conventions 29 and 105
No discrimination of any kind, that is to say, distinction of race, color, sex, affiliation, membership of a union, nationality, social origin, deficiency or handicap must interfere in recruitment, salary policy, admission to training programs, promotion policy, termination of employment policies, retirement and any other aspect of the employment relationship.
ILO Conventions 100 and 111
The minimum age for employment must not be lower than the minimum age required to complete compulsory schooling. In any case, this age must not be lower than 15 years. Children between the ages of 15 and 18 must not perform any task which, by its nature or in the circumstances in which it is performed, is likely to harm their safety and physical or mental health.
ILO Conventions 138 and 182
Every worker has the right to form and join a trade union and to bargain collectively. Where the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining is restricted by the law of the country, the company must facilitate alternative means of free association and bargaining for all workers. Workers' representatives shall not, under any circumstances, be discriminated against on the basis of their functions and shall have access to all workplaces necessary to carry out their representative functions.
ILO Conventions 135 and 143
Wages and benefits for a normal workweek must comply at least with legal or sectoral minimum standards and must be sufficient to meet the basic needs of workers and their families. Deductions from wages for disciplinary purposes are not permitted. No deductions from wages not provided for by national law are permitted. If wage deductions are made, they must never result in the employee being paid below the minimum wage. Employees must be adequately and clearly informed of their wage specifications, including wage rates and the pay period.
ILO Conventions 26 and 131
Working hours must comply with applicable laws and industry standards. In all cases, workers are not required to work more than 48 hours per week and must be given at least one day off every 7 days. Overtime must be voluntary, not exceed 12 hours per week, must not be requested regularly, and must always be paid at a premium rate.
ILO Convention 1
A safe and hygienic working environment must be ensured, and best practices in occupational health and safety must be encouraged, taking into account current industry knowledge and specific risks. Appropriate attention must be paid to occupational hazards specific to each branch of industry and thus ensure a safe and hygienic working environment. Effective regulations must be implemented to prevent accidents and minimize health risks as much as possible. Physical violence, threats, punishment or unusual discipline, sexual or other harassment, and intimidation by the employer are strictly prohibited.
ILO Convention 155
Obligations arising from normal employment relationships cannot be avoided by using employment contracts alone, or by apprenticeship programs without a real intention of imparting skills or providing regular employment. Younger workers must be given the opportunity to participate in education and training programs.
