The International Labour Organization (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work aims to ensure that social progress goes hand in hand with economic progress and development. The Declaration is a promotional instrument - and a reaffirmation by the ILO's government, employer and worker constituents of central beliefs set out in the organization's Constitution.

“Adopted in 1998, the Declaration commits Member States to respect and promote principles and rights in four categories, whether or not they have ratified the relevant Conventions. These categories are: freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining, the elimination of forced or compulsory labour, the abolition of child labour and the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

The Declaration makes it clear that these rights are universal, and that they apply to all people in all States - regardless of the level of economic development. It particularly mentions groups with special needs, including the unemployed and migrant workers. It recognizes that economic growth alone is not enough to ensure equity, social progress and to eradicate poverty”.

The Special Unit on Labour Issues (SULI) principal activities is to promote, protect and enforce labour standards set forth by The International Labour Organization (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, seek to strengthen worker rights, improve working conditions and living conditions, and making progressive recommendations to multilevel governments and private sector employers on labour issues affecting civil societies.

The SULI action for the elimination of discrimination in employment and occupation environments is based on national and international labour laws and standards, which commit the SULI to fight against employment related issues, and employment discrimination based on race, creed, or sex. Concerned members of minority groups should investigate the possibility of submitting information to the SULI either through a trade union or employer’s organization, or under special confidential mechanism methods.

A convention that can have a direct positive impact on the situation of minorities if the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (NO.29), which prohibits all forms of forced or compulsory labour. Minorities are more subjects to the abuse of fundamental human rights than others. In addition, the SULI also seeks to enforce the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999, under which, minority children are fully protected.

SULI COMPLAINTS PROCEDURES 

Among other aspects of labour rights, the SULI complaint procedures concern problems of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity that affect working life. Of the various mechanisms established by SULI, the most relevant to discrimination against minorities is the possibility of filling formal complaints. After a complaint has been received, the substance of the allegations is examined be a special tripartite committee appointed by the advisory committee from among its members, prior to the National Assembly’s approval. The committee communicates with the filling organization or individual, or group of individuals, asking for any additional information it may wish to submit. When all the information has been received, the committee under the approval of the Advisory Committee makes its recommendations to the parties involved for possible remedies.

If you wish to submit an official labour related complaint, believing your labour rights may have been threatened and/or violated, please forward your correspondence to the following address, by providing the place of work, and a brief witness/testimony letter explaining the occurrence.

SPECIAL UNIT ON LABOUR ISSUES  - (SULI)

FAAVM – AFPMV

PO. BOX 307 STN/SUCC B

OTTAWA, ON K1P 6C3

CANADA