The International Labour Organisation (ILO) held a tripartite meeting of experts on non-standard forms of employment (NSFE) last week. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss how fundamental principles and rights at work are upheld in these forms of employment, and to make joint recommendations for future actions by the ILO.

The International Confederation of Private Employment Agencies (Ciett) was represented by Annemarie Muntz (Ciett President) and Bev Jack (South Africa). Other members of Ciett attended as observers. 

Other attendees included the International Trade Union Confederation, IndustriALL (global union for the Mining, Energy, and Manufacturing industries), and the International Union of Food workers (IUF).

There were also representatives from the governments of the USA, France, the Philippines, South Africa, Norway, Japan, Algeria, and Chile.

During the discussion, all delegations recognised the value of NSFE and the importance of  its role in integrating people into the labour market.

Following an exchange of views, an agreement was reached among the governments, employers, and workers. Although Ciett is not positive about all of the elements of the agreement, it acknowledges that the agreement recognises that:

• NSFE can be decent and can help business respond and adapt to changing market and demands;
• NSFE can play a role in increasing labour market participation and in supporting transitions and enhancing skills of workers;
• Appropriate regulation and social dialogue are key to ensure decent work in NSFE;
• Mechanisms should be put in place to determine the relevant employers for collective bargaining;
• The ILO Office should conduct further research on the topic, allowing to base future discussion on facts and figures.

Ciett were satisfied that the discussions represented a step forward in the discussion on NSFE.