International Labor Organization (ILO) is the most significant global institution championing workers’ welfare. Since its inception, ILO has been involved in the demand for social justice and the fight for improved living standards for the world’s working population. The different conferences held in Geneva, the organization’s headquarters, consistently reviewed the labor protocol to suit the evolving working conditions. At the turn of the millennium, ILO proposed the concept of decent work to refine and enhance operations. Currently, the idea of decent work is popular in the labor market as almost all stakeholders understand the significance of the agenda. Ferraro et al. (2015), in the article “Decent work: An aim for all made by all,” describes in detail a framework with eleven substantive points for enhancing decent work. The substructure can be used to assess whether the ILO Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 might or might not contribute to decent work.
The Forced Labor Protocol of 2014 is a review of the 1930 Forced Labor Protocol by the governing body of ILO regarding the changing nature of compulsory labor. Due to the rapidly evolving society, the concept of forced labor also changes, and the organization had to act accordingly to capture the new ideas in the protocol. The framework has twelve sections labeled Articles 1 to 12. The starting five parts of the protocol directly address the issues related to decent work described by Ferraro et al. (2015). In the sixth section, the major focus is on measures to be performed by the member states while ratifying the convention. The first five articles provide obligations and measures members must consider in suppressing, ending, and eliminating compulsory labor in their respective job markets. Although forced labor is the only element analyzed in the agreement, it resonates with the ideas of Ferraro et al. (2015) concerning the need to end compulsory jobs as a way of enhancing decent work. Therefore, there is no doubt the Protocol of 2014 contributes to decent work.
Admittedly, the convention emphasizes the demand to end forced labor by enacting laws to necessitate tough punishment of labor offenses. In the preamble, the agreement maintains that forced labor forms have significantly changed, especially human trafficking for forced labor. The trafficking of persons, unlike before, where people would be enslaved, has evolved to include other ways of compulsory labor. In contemporary society, the leading cause of human trafficking is sexual exploitation, which is now among the leading subjects of international concern (International Labor Organization, n.d.). Since the convention seeks to enhance the fight against human trafficking, it parallels the objectives of the framework as described by Ferraro et al. (2015). In the review, Ferraro et al. (2015) explain forced work under the fifth section of the eleven substantive elements of decent work. According to the authors, decent work is achievable if unacceptable work is abolished (Ferraro et al., 2015). All the work to be eliminated falls under the category of jobs that do not respect human rights, such as compulsory labor. Thus, ending undesirable work promotes decency in the job market and improves the living standards of the global working population.
Additionally, the sentiments described in the framework by Ferraro et al. (2015) are in synch with the propositions of the ILO Protocol of 2014 concerning cooperation. Ferraro et al. (2015) note four aspects of decent work causing challenges for different agents to work in the society. Among the elements is the responsibility shared among the varying social factors. Different agents in the community, including social and economic elements, should collaborate to ensure the achievement of decent work. For instance, social scientists, practitioners, economists, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and workers should develop laws that are practical (Ferraro et al., 2015). Unless all the stakeholders are involved in policy formulation and implementation, decency at work can be elusive. Interestingly, the Protocol of 2014 reiterates the importance of cooperation among members of the ILO. The convention urges all the member states to implement the suggestions at the same time (International Labor Organization, n.d.). Among the proposed measures to suppress or end forced labor is having policies that bestow competent bodies the responsibility to investigate, arrest, prosecute, and punish those involved with forced labor. Hence, the support for shared responsibility by the Protocol of 2014 means it contributes to decent work.
Notably, the whole idea of reviewing the provisions of the 1930 Forced Labor Convention is to address the evolving nature of decent work. Some of what was in the 1930 agreement were outdated, while other aspects of the current nature of decent work can not fit the convention. Therefore, there was a need to make essential adjustments to the protocol to improve its legitimacy, credibility, and relevance to the labor issues of contemporary society (International Labor Organization, n.d.). That means the convention is sensitive to changes that have significant impacts on the well-being of global employees. Ferraro et al.’s (2015) framework under the four propositions of decent work encourages steady updates of the operationalization of decent work needs. The understanding that the requirements for a favorable job change with time make one realize the reason for regular review of the protocol. ILO’s mandate to champion the well-being of the global working population is a responsibility in constant progress. Therefore, matching the changing needs promotes the achievement of decent work.
Lastly, the primary objective of forced labor protocol is to enhance a safe work environment for the involved individuals. The well-stipulated laws are necessary to ensure regulations and job standards are adhered to in every sense. ILO, through the Protocol of 2014, is aware of the significance of having a safe work environment. With secure job conditions, employees’ physical and mental health improves, leading to increased productivity. Employees working in safe surroundings do not have to worry about job hazards, human trafficking, or forced labor, which leads to heightened job satisfaction. Ferraro et al.’s (2015) framework under the eighth item of substantive elements of decent work insists on the importance of a safe work environment, which is in line with the main objective of the Protocol of 2014. Thus, the convention in every aspect contributes to decent work.
Overall, ILO has been at the forefront of advocating for the welfare of the global working population for approximately a century. The organization reviews its convention occasionally to ensure it meets the labor needs of the changing society. Based on the Ferraro et al. (2015) framework, the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 enhances decent work. The agreement promotes decent work by suppressing forced labor, enhancing shared responsibility, contributing to a safe work environment, and aligning decent work needs to the evolving society. Hence, decency at work is the primary focus of the job market in contemporary society.
References
Ferraro, T., Pais, L., & Dos Santos, N. R. (2015). Decent work: An aim for all made by all. International Journal of Social Sciences, 4(3), 30-42.
International Labor Organization. (n.d.). Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930. Web.