ECA Joins Tripartite Discussions on Impending ILO Biological Hazards Convention

In June 2025, the 113th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) will see the conclusion of a two (2)-year standard-setting process for the establishment of a new International Standard, Protection Against Biological Hazards in the Working Environment.

Following contentious negotiations in 2024, the ILO convened a series of tripartite meetings of representatives of employers (8), workers (8) and governments (16) over several days in April. Mr. Ronald Ramlogan, Chief Executive Officer, represented the Caribbean region as part of the employer delegation alongside counterparts from Belgium, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, and the United States of America.

The meetings, which were chaired by Mr Luís Claudino de Oliveira, Deputy Inspector General, Ministry of Labour, Portugal, were convened to hear the range of perspectives on several elements of the proposed Standard – a binding Convention supported by a non-binding Recommendation, to better understand the main concerns and priorities of constituents, and to facilitate more productive negotiations at this year’s ILC.

While these discussions did not result in legally binding conclusions or amendments to the text of the proposed instruments ahead of the ILC, and despite various points of disagreement, there were important exchanges and constructive dialogue on several key topics, including the scope and coverage of the instruments, key definitions, the rights and duties of workers, and clarifications on the responsibilities of employers versus those of public authorities in managing biological hazards. Ms Delphine Rudelli, Director General, European Tech & Industry Employers (CEEMET), as spokesperson for the employers’ group, also made strong representations on the imperative of protecting business confidentiality as well as the importance of a consistent, risk-based approach in the management of biological hazards.

The ECA is pleased to have been part of these discussions that will ultimately shape the outcome of the standard-setting process on this important topic and extends its gratitude to the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) and the ILO’s Bureau for Employers’ Activities (ACT/EMP) for coordinating the participation of the employers’ group.