Algeria’s UGTA Hails Palestine’s Observer Status at ILO Conference in Geneva
GENEVA — The General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA) participated in the 113th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), the decision-making body of the International Labour Organization (ILO), held from June 2 to 13 in Geneva, Switzerland.
In his speech on the 10th day of the conference, UGTA Secretary-General Amar Takdjout described Palestine’s accession to the ILO as an observer member as a “historic event.”
“We warmly welcome Palestine’s accession to the ILO as an observer member, a historic milestone. We are convinced this is a step toward Palestine’s recognition as a full member, as history demonstrates,” Takdjout stated.
Takdjout also addressed “issues of major international importance,” commending the ILO’s historic role in improving the working and living conditions of millions of workers and their families worldwide.
He expressed appreciation for “the ILO’s contributions to enhancing employment and living conditions for hundreds of millions of workers and their families through its standards and derived texts.” However, he noted that “significant challenges remain, given the rising poverty and inequality within and between countries in the Global North and South.”
Takdjout voiced deep concern about “the ongoing environmental degradation and resulting climate disasters, which disproportionately impact countries in the Global South.” He also highlighted “the need to address the negative effects of rapid technological change and artificial intelligence on labor relations, employment conditions, and social protection.”
Additionally, Takdjout welcomed the 113th ILC’s focus on critical issues such as the platform economy, biological hazards, and occupational accidents and diseases, aiming to establish standards aligned with the ILO’s founding principles and existing texts.
In this context, he emphasized “the urgent need for the ILO to strengthen trade unions’ capacities, particularly through training, especially in developing countries.”
