https://www.ilo.org/resource/news/first-ever-ilo-programme-living-wages-...
GENEVA (ILO News) – The International Labour Organization (ILO)’s Director-General, launched the first ever programme on living wages, along with International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) General Secretary Luc Triangle, and International Organization of Employers (IOE) Secretary-General Roberto Suárez Santos.
The programme is in line with the 2024 tripartite agreement on wage policies, including living wages.
Estimations of living wages will be based on the ILO methodology, using data from national statistical offices, in consultation with employers’ and workers’ organizations.
It is more important than ever that we take action to ensure that every worker earns a living wage so they and their families can lead a decent life.
ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo
"We live in a world in which inequalities remain enormous, social cohesion is under pressure, and where millions of workers are unable to afford a decent standard of living for themselves and their families. In this context, it is more important than ever that we take action to ensure that every worker earns a living wage so they and their families can lead a decent life," explained ILO Director-General Houngbo.
The programme will also seek to strengthen wage-setting institutions, particularly collective bargaining, and minimum wage systems, and identify root causes of low pay. To help this, the ILO will set up a “wage data hub,” supporting evidence-based wage-setting processes in ILO Member States.
The adoption of an ILO agreement on living wages constituted a major breakthrough to advance the wellbeing of millions of workers and their families worldwide.
ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle
"The adoption of an ILO agreement on living wages constituted a major breakthrough to advance the wellbeing of millions of workers and their families worldwide; however there is major work to be done before the promise of a living wage for all workers is to be realized," said ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle.
The concept of a living wage is important and useful for companies operating globally.
IOE Secretary-General Roberto Suárez Santos
"The concept of a living wage is important and useful for companies operating globally. Its implementation must consider both the needs of workers and their families, and the economic realities. Tackling informality and fostering an enabling environment for enterprises remain central to this agenda," added IOE Secretary-General Roberto Suárez Santos.
The programme is supported by the Netherlands and Germany. The ILO will also seek to draw support from new partners, including other governments, the private sector and other interested entities.
From left to right: Luis Rodrigo Morales (IOE), Evelyn Astor (ITUC), Manuela Tomei (ILO), IOE Secretary General Roberto Suárez Santos, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo, ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle, Raquel Gonzalez (ILO), Patrick Belser (ILO), Sukti Dasgupta (ILO), Philippe Marcadent (ILO) and Michael Watt (ILO).
