The panel on “The Roles of Employers’ Organisations, Businesses and Trade Unions in Combating Trafficking for Labour Exploitation” is organised by ILO in close co-operation with the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) and the International Trade Union Congress (ITUC). As a tripartite organisation, the ILO is well placed to organise an event that focuses on the role of workers’ and employers’ organisations. In 2005, the ILO’s Governing Body adopted an Action Plan against Forced Labour that calls for a workers’ and business’ alliance. The ILO has developed effective collaboration with employers’ organisations in countries like China, Vietnam, Russia and Brazil. The panel will feature representatives of national federations that will speak about their experiences and challenges ahead.
The objective of the panel is to examine and highlight the concrete steps that have been taken by workers’ and employers’ organisations to combat human trafficking. Furthermore, participants will explore how the social partners can better work together and with others to improve the effectiveness of their respective actions.

THE VIENNA FORUM TO FIGHT HUMAN TRAFFICKING

13-15 February 2008

Vienna, Austria

AIDE MEMOIRE

THE ROLES OF EMPLOYERS’ ORGANISATIONS, BUSINESSES AND TRADE UNIONS IN COMBATING TRAFFICKING FOR LABOUR EXPLOITATION

(Thursday, 14 February, 16:00 – 17:30)

The Vienna Forum to Fight Human Trafficking to be held at United Nations Headquarters in Vienna from 13 to 15 February 2008 will focus on the three overriding themes of vulnerability, impact and action. It will offer plenary sessions and a series of panels and workshops on different aspects of the three themes.

This event is part of the United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (UN.GIFT). The Global Initiative aims to mobilize state and non-state actors to eradicate human trafficking by i) reducing the vulnerability of potential victims and the demand for exploitation in all its forms; ii) ensuring adequate protection and support to those who do fall victim, and iii) supporting the efficient prosecution of the criminals involved, while respecting the fundamental human rights of all persons.

UN.GIFT is part of a wide partnership by the UN-System and other international and regional organisations (ILO, IOM, OSCE, OHCHR, UNICEF and UNODC). These organisations, which form part of UN.GIFT Steering Committee, are responsible for the organisation of the panels and workshops of The Vienna Forum.

The panel on “The Roles of Employers’ Organisations, Businesses and Trade Unions in Combating Trafficking for Labour Exploitation” is organised by ILO in close co-operation with the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) and the International Trade Union Congress (ITUC). As a tripartite organisation, the ILO is well placed to organise an event that focuses on the role of workers’ and employers’ organisations. In 2005, the ILO’s Governing Body adopted an Action Plan against Forced Labour that calls for a workers’ and business’ alliance. The ILO has developed effective collaboration with employers’ organisations in countries like China, Vietnam, Russia and Brazil. The panel will feature representatives of national federations that will speak about their experiences and challenges ahead.

Of civil society organisations, workers’ and employers’ organisations have a key role to play in the prevention of trafficking, identification and reintegration of trafficked persons. Organizing migrant workers that are at risk of trafficking can radically reduce their vulnerability. Trade unions, however, face several challenges in reaching out to those workers who are often temporary and in an irregular status. In December 2007, the ITUC General Council endorsed a plan of action for future trade union activities in the areas of forced labour and trafficking. In addition, many national trade union centres have already started to address the issue through concrete activities.

Similarly, employers are increasingly becoming aware of the risk of trafficking and how it can affect their supply chains. Some national employers’ organisations have therefore taken a lead in developing guidance material for their members, model codes of conduct and other similar instruments.

The objective of the panel is to examine and highlight the concrete steps that have been taken by workers’ and employers’ organisations to combat human trafficking. Furthermore, participants will explore how the social partners can better work together and with others to improve the effectiveness of their respective actions.

The discussions and recommendations of the panel will be summarized and incorporated into the final report of the Vienna Forum. The panel is expected to facilitate networking between the social partners and other actors involved in the fight against human trafficking. It will also feed into the implementation of the ITUC Action Plan as well as ILO-led activities to strengthen the business and workers alliances.

The panel will involve a moderator and four speakers representing employers’ and workers’ organisations. Following introductory remarks, each speaker will have a maximum of 10 minutes to present. Time will be provided at the end of these presentations for questions and comments from the audience, and for discussion amongst the panellists. A rapporteur will summarize the discussion in a short report.

Speakers will address the following issues:

1. Current action, lessons learned and the challenges ahead;

2. Major policy concerns for trade unions and employers;

3. How to link the fight against trafficking to the broader objectives of decent work; and

4. International cooperation of workers’/employers’ organisations

The room will have a capacity for 200-250 persons. Participants expected include representatives of workers’ and employers’ organisations, NGOs, academic institutions and international organisations.

Simultaneous interpretation will be provided in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. Documentation will be available in English only.