GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — Seepaul Narine, President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), participated in the 113th International Labour Conference (ILC) held in Geneva, Switzerland, from June 2 to 13, 2025. The conference, hosted by the International Labour Organization (ILO), brought together government, employer, and worker delegates from 187 member states to address critical issues shaping the world of work.
Key Themes and Discussions
The 113th ILC focused on several pressing topics, including:
- Protection Against Biological Hazards at Work: Delegates discussed new international standards to safeguard workers from biological risks in the workplace.
- Decent Work in the Platform Economy: The conference addressed the need for fair labor standards and protections for workers in the rapidly expanding digital and gig economy.
- Promoting Formal Work and Tackling Informality: Innovative strategies were explored to help workers transition from informal to formal employment, ensuring better rights and protections.
- Social Justice and Inclusion: The Global Coalition for Social Justice Annual Forum, held during the conference, emphasized living wages, artificial intelligence in the workplace, and business practices that foster inclusive societies.
GAWU’s Role and Advocacy
As the representative of Guyanese workers, Seepaul Narine engaged in high-level discussions and advocated for the interests of agricultural and general workers from Guyana. His participation underscored GAWU’s ongoing commitment to advancing workers’ rights, social justice, and decent work standards both at home and internationally.
Significance for Guyana
Narine’s attendance at the ILC highlighted Guyana’s active role in global labor forums and its dedication to improving labor conditions in line with international standards. The insights and experiences gained at the conference are expected to inform GAWU’s efforts to strengthen labor protections and support the development of a more resilient and equitable workforce in Guyana.
The 113th International Labour Conference concluded with renewed commitments from all participants to uphold workers’ rights and promote fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces worldwide.
