ILO Policy Brief on COVID-19

Conclusion

The coronavirus disease continues to spread across the world following a trajectory that is difficult to predict. The health, humanitarian and socio-economic policies adopted by countries will determine the speed and strength of the recovery.

The coronavirus disease continues to spread across the world following a trajectory that is difficult to predict. The health, humanitarian and socio-economic policies adopted by countries will determine the speed and strength of the recovery. The ILO’s four pillar policy framework presented in this brief provides guidance not only for countries as they progress through the various phases of the crisis, but also for the international community as a whole. There must be a global human-centred response which is grounded in solidarity.

International Labour Standards contain guidance for ensuring decent work that is applicable even in the unparalleled context of the COVID 19 crisis. In particular, the Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience Recommendation, 2017 (No. 205) emphasizes that crisis responses need to “ensure respect for all human rights and the rule of law, including respect for fundamental principles and rights at work and for international labour standards”. The standards dealing with safety and health at work, social security, employment, non discrimination, working arrangements and the protection of specific categories of workers provide guidance on the design of rapid responses that can facilitate a stronger recovery from the crisis.

A coordinated global effort is required to support countries that currently do not have sufficient fiscal space to finance social policy, in particular universal social protection systems. Debt sustainability should be prioritized in this endeavour.

Without long-term structural changes, the deep-rooted inequalities exposed by the crisis will merely intensify. As well as tackling the immediate effects of the crisis, the international community now has a unique opportunity to adopt policies aimed at achieving social justice and a human centred future of work.