International Labor Standards

Topic: International Labor Standards
Country: Cameroon
Delegate Name: Alex Reinke
School: Mattawan High School

We, the Republic of Cameroon, are in agreement with the International Labour Organization’s standards. Cameroon, along with other countries in the African Union, combined to create the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. This decree gives people the freedom from forced or compulsory work. The Republic of Cameroon is all for a worldwide declaration on fair labor standards.

Cameroon is also very concerned with the well-being of laborers. On March third, 1993, Cameroon implemented an aggressive declaration on workplace safety. The Republic of Cameroon arrived at a conclusion to implement Occupational Safety and Health institutions. These establishments, headed by the Commission for Occupational Health and Safety, research the prevalence, causes and prevention of workplace hazards as well as inspecting workplaces. These offices also document such hazards, and rehabilitate, compensate, and train injured workers. The government itself has also implemented many workplace safety initiatives, such as a program that focuses on HIV/AIDS prevention in the workplace.

The Republic of Cameroon is also a supporter of a fair minimum wage. Cameroon has the third highest minimum wage for all countries using the CFA Franc currency in our region. We believe that a benevolent minimum wage allows for a more prosperous population and therefore, a more productive community. We believe a higher minimum wage also accounts for calm and beneficial country, ensuring little crime and low conflict.

We feel that the United Nations needs to address expand upon a worldwide standard for fair labor. A fair labor declaration would be essential for all countries and would increase the quality of life for the world's population. The Republic of Cameroon would be opposed to any ideas encompassing ideas that compromise the rights of the worker.

Topic: International Labor Standards
Country: Canada
Delegate Name: Colleen Roberts
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Canada has many standards and laws regarding business and the ethics we use to make our country prosperous and safe for all workers. We acknowledge that without these basics things our economies as well as the people who help maintain this would not exist or have a hard time maintaining the lives they live. The average minimum wage in Canada is 8.90. Canada pretty much agrees with everything that the united nations has to say regarding business.

Canada would like to see other countries enforce the laws and acts given by the untied nation. We would also like to see better safety procedures done by businesses in other countries. We believe that child labor is extremely wrong and countries using this type of labor should be reprimanded. We would like to a norm of minimum wage averages around the world to make sure everyone is getting treated equally.

Canada is positive we have many people follow our ideas about this. Being part of NAFTA we have to make sure business is done right with everyone this agreement goes along with. The United States is also clear on how their labor standards done in there country. The United States does have a norm for minimum wage that is somewhere near ours.

Canada is disappointed by the countries that do not agree with the multiple conferences and conventions it has held to make International Labor standards so much better. We believe that countries who are holding back from these conferences are holding back from making everything equal with everyone. The countries who give the countries barely nothing to live on and then charge them steeply should be reprimanded by the UN.

Topic: International Labor Standards
Country: China
Delegate Name: Anna Slowik
School: Royal Oak High School

Minimal standards in labor are a legitimate expectation for all nations of the world. Standards in labor help to ensure the wellbeing of the workforce and thus positively contribute to a nation’s productivity. Recently joining the World Trade Organization in 2001, The People’s Republic of China recognizes and acknowledges the need for labor standards in Labor Law of the People’s Republic of China, implemented in 1995. This legislation covers labor contracts and collective contracts, working hours, rest and vacations, wages, occupational safety and health (OSH), special protection for female and juvenile workers, vocational training, social insurance and welfare, labor disputes, supervision and inspection, and legal responsibility.

Enforcement and upholding of these laws, though, has proven difficult. In a nation as productive and immense as the People’s Republic of China, enforcement of any law can prove to be a struggle. Problems facing the PRC regarding legal standards in labor include a weak ability to monitor working conditions and unaccented punishment for non-compliance, estranging gaps between labor laws and other relevant laws, and a low respect for the Labor Law of the People’s Republic of China, as it was passed by the Standing Committee, a lower level of legislature than the People’s congress.

To consider changes in the labor laws in china, and elaborate understanding of the issues at hand is required. For example, the role of the All-China Federation of Independent Trade Unions, which protects workers interests and rights needs to be examined, as it is sometimes scrutinized as it is concerned with getting workers back to work after a strike.

As the environment surrounding PRC’s labor laws is highly complex and interwoven between the various issues concerning labor laws, there is no obvious answer to the issues at hand.

Topic: International Labor Standards
Country: Côte d’Ivoire
Delegate Name: Emily Stavale
School: Royal Oak High School

Cote d'Ivoire feels that labour standards are a very important issue in the world today. We feel that said standards need to be put in place in as many nations as possible to prevent further harm and exploitation of citizens. People deserve their rights to safety and fair treatment in the workplace, yet many people are injured when performing dangerous activities on the job. If labour standards are put in place and enforced, this will happen much less frequently.

“Whereas universal and lasting peace can be established only if it is based upon social justice;” is the statement that begins the preamble to the constitution of the International Labour Organization. Cote d’Ivoire agrees with this and not only urges other countries to follow the standards of the International Labour Organization, but also encourages them to adopt their own set of laws on labour.

Cote d’Ivoire recognizes the difficulties many countries face in setting up labour standards, not to mention the difficulties in getting companies to follow the laws set out by the standards. We understand that it is often difficult to enforce laws thoroughly throughout a state. This is why we also encourage other nations to set up labour law enforcement agencies, to help monitor labour.

Cote d’Ivoire also notes that many countries might not want to put labour standards in place. This is mostly due to the economic gain they experience when companies come in and exploit their people due to loose labour laws. We ask, however, that you look first towards the well being of your citizens, then towards the economic perspective.

Cote d’Ivoire looks foreword to working with other nations to encourage and enforce labour standards all over the world, to ensure the well being of all persons.

Topic: International Labor Standards
Country: Ecuador
Delegate Name: Gabrielle Vuylsteke
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

As the International Labour Organization states in its Constitution’s preamble, “Whereas universal and lasting peace can be established only if it is based upon social justice; And whereas conditions of labour exist involving such injustice, hardship and privation to large numbers of people… and an improvement of those conditions is urgently required…” The Republic of Ecuador agrees with the ILO and acknowledges that labour condition regulation is a necessity.

We, the Republic of Ecuador, believe that certain standards of work are necessary for humans to live life without severe difficulty. We are aware of the problems regarding labour standards within our borders, as well as the problems in other United Nation member states. In order to ensure the safety and well being of all citizens of member states of the UN, certain needs must be met.

We believe that necessary work standards fall into two broad categories. The regulation of child labour (meaning the work of those citizens under the age of 18) includes limits such as a set minimum age for labour, which the Republic of Ecuador recommends to be set at fifteen years of age and changeable only in extreme cases, and prevention of child labour in hazardous jobs, such as military and mining. The second category of work standards is regulation of adult (peoples over the age of 18) working conditions which is also necessary. Laws that guarantee a reasonable minimum wage that allows for a livable lifestyle and conditions where employee firing must be reasonable are necissary. Furthermore benefits and vacation days should be included in contracts are necessary to support suitale conditions. Labourers must be given the right to create unions in order to protect their own specific circumstances, as well as the guarantee of equal wages for both men and women. Forced labour is an issue that needs attention, and we recommend it as punishment for criminals as decided by the courts. We, the Republic of Ecuador, have shown in our public policies our country's support of each particular issue and the core Conventions of the ILO. Each public policy is being executed accordingly.

In order to ensure the safety and well being of all of the world’s people, the UN must draw from and expand on the ILO’s core Conventions, and all member states must ratify and enforce the statement that the UN ratifies in order to create an environment where all people may live properly and labour standards may embody such concepts as in the eight core Conventions of ILO.

Topic: International Labor Standards
Country: El Salvador
Delegate Name: Christopher Roberts
School: Flint Northern High School

The issues of sustaining labor standards in El Salvador is very, seriously ignored. One of El Salvador’s organizations is the Ministry of Labor which is responsible for keeping labor-related laws; it has limited resources and, as a government agency, has at times been accused of unfairness when dealing with government-union conflicts.

Workers are assured the right to unionize without the threat of harassment or discrimination. However, In the 1990s, the government telecommunications firm was up for sale 72 labor leaders were fired to keep the company a union-free country . The Ministry of Labor sided with the government on uncertain grounds when the workers had appealed. Because of its limited resources, the Ministry of Labor cannot conduct thorough labor inspections throughout the country, especially outside the manufacturing districts, and worker complaints of mistreatment, although not altogether common, but frequently go uninvestigated.

Forced labor in El Salvador is prohibited by law, although in cases of catastrophe or national emergency the government can make their own exclusion. Forced labor in El Salvador also prohibits child labor. Children below the ages of 14 are not allowed to work in a job in El Salvador but Minors between the ages of 14 and 18 may work but they must have permission from the Ministry of Labor if their employment is necessary to either themselves or their family. Many children under the age of 14 work as street vendors or doing general labor for small businesses in unauthorized areas.

This is one of the major problems with the laws that the government of El Salvador ignores. But there are many more laws that El Salvador has and does not follow for instance laws that deal with criminal actions and health and safety abuses. The government especially ignores the criminal actions taken against children working on sugar plantations. El Salvador needs to put an end to ignoring its laws because of the families especially the children’s harm or even unnecessary death.

Topic: International Labor Standards
Country: France
Delegate Name: Patricia Baron
School: Roeper School

The French Republic acknowledges the United Nations’ and the International Labor Organization’s efforts toward the improvement of worldwide working conditions. In today’s globalizing economy, the spread of industry has prompted several controversial issues that need to be addressed. France is in agreement with the demands of the currently established international labor standards but also seeks the creation and compliance of more imperative regulations.

France has continued to enforce strict legislation on work standards while maintaining one of the highest productivity rates in the world. France aims to protect the interests of all workers while taking into consideration the economic priorities of businesses. Recently, France implemented the ‘Contrat nouvelle embauche’ (CNE, also known as the New Employment Contract), which brought flexibility to smaller companies and fought France’s high rate of unemployment.

France’s initiative is to further propagate ideal labor standards at a global scale. Child labor, health and safety conditions, maximum working time, minimum wage and equality in the workspace are among the main concerns of labor rights advocates. They are also a critical problem prevailing in the industries of many developing countries and even some developed countries.

France understands the complications and limitations that developing countries may encounter in observing international labor standards. However, the French Republic implores the leaders and representatives of these countries to prioritize the welfare of their nation’s true wealth – the people. By improving work conditions, a nation can enhance their overall living conditions as well. The French Republic also seeks the support of developed countries, considering the substantial amount of outsourcing done to the former.

The French Republic anticipates international cooperation in an integrated approach to the problems at hand in order to find the most suitable, feasible and sustainable solution for each country.

Topic: International Labor Standards
Country: Germany
Delegate Name: Charles Willard
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

The Federal Republic of Germany recognizes the disturbing issue of dreadful working conditions for adults and children alike. Throughout the world there are appalling working conditions for laborers. Adults and small children work unbearably long hours on dangerous machines only to make barely enough to feed their families and themselves. The number of children who work in unsafe conditions alone is staggering, ranging in the tens of millions. If this is only the number of children who put their lives at risk to work, imagine the number of adults. This is why the Federal Republic of Germany is calling for work place reform worldwide.

The Federal Republic of Germany humbly requests that countries evaluate their current work regulations and check for the following three principles: first, the workers right to organize in the form of labor unions in order to preserve the voice of the workers; second, minimum age laws to allow children the privilege of education instead of the hardships of work; third, a minimum level of workplace safety and health regulations to shelter the workers from dangerous conditions. Germany recognizes that to some countries labor standards may not be a pressing issue. But, if a country could improve in at least one of these areas it would not only benefit the individual worker but the country and furthermore the world as a whole.

The Federal Republic of Germany is not asking for all countries to follow in its footsteps by means of labor standards. But it would like to see an increase in the amount of better working conditions. The Federal Republic of Germany challenges other countries to set an achievable goal for improving the working conditions of our laborers.

Topic: International Labor Standards
Country: Greece
Delegate Name: Lauren Wallace
School: Mattawan High School

The Hellenic Republic strongly agrees with the belief that the International Labor Organization holds. We believe that every nation should adopt humane conditions for labor, such as regulations on the maximum work hours a week and minimum wage.

Those who are overworked and underpaid will not have the ability to pass on knowledge and wisdom that is crucial for the citizens to effectively elect leaders. If children are worked when they should be getting an education, the country in question will be left in the hands of leaders who are incapable of being responsible for making peaceful changes.

The Hellenic Republic has set regulations that provide a decent standard of living. There are maximum legal hours in a workweek for both private sectors and public sectors of work. The minimum wage yearly is approximately 6,719 euros, and Greece has annual vacations with pay provided. The children of the Hellenic Republic under the age of fifteen years are not allowed to work. These industrial health and safety standards are continuously set and regularly enforced.

The Hellenic Republic acknowledges that in other countries, these same standards are not set. We would like to decide upon an amiable resolution which involves set regulations on the maximum hours per workweek, the minimum wage set at a reasonable amount, and annual vacations. We have an obligation to set such standards so that all of humanity can be at peace. If these regulations are enforced, people will have the capability to continue accomplishing objectives that could improve the current state of the world.

Topic: International Labor Standards
Country: Guatemala
Delegate Name: Kate Kelley
School: Royal Oak High School

The Republic of Guatemala is dedicated to improving labor standards, both at home and abroad. We know that goals such as ending child labor, improving workplace safety, and increasing wages, can only be met through international economic support of improvements in these areas. In developing countries, cost is the biggest obstacle to improved working conditions. Businesses, forced to compete with cheaper labor found abroad, often subject their workers to brutal and inhumane conditions in order to maximize profit. Compounding the problem is the fact that these nations often have little or no capital to self-regulate, making alliances with consumer nations even more important.

At the forefront of the debate on how to improve international working conditions is the question: how can we support improvements in labor standards while keeping the market fair and competitive? Every country has variables affecting their workers, and each nation cannot be held to the same standard. As we have seen in many countries, when labor standards rise too high, businesses move production elsewhere. How can nations improve working conditions, while keeping costs low enough to be competitive in an international marketplace? Also, in developing nations like Guatemala, child labor is a major issue, reflecting deeper socio-economic flaws. How can we resolve the problems, like poverty and lack of education, that underlie child labor? Answers to these questions are essential for the development of the Republic Guatemala and nations like it everywhere.

The Republic of Guatemala will focus primarily on economic development as a means to achieve improved labor standards. When businesses are economically encouraged to provide better working conditions improvements in workplace safety, reduction of mandatory hours, and increases in wages, are made quickly and willingly, and will last far into the future. In a capitalist economy, Guatemala acknowledges the need for solution that is compatible with basic capitalist ideas. Guatemala’s major concern is that better working conditions may hurt local business by increasing cost and making competition with foreign markets impossible. This issue must be addressed in any resolution to gain Guatemalan support. Child labor is another major issue for Guatemala, and long lasting solutions to the underlying causes, such as povety and access to education, are an important component of any resolution.

The Republic of Guatemala looks forward to international cooperation in improving labor standards in all nations. This issue is one that all countries will benefit from resolving, and will promote global growth and stability. With dedication and diplomacy, delegates can work to ensure the safety, happiness, and well being of employees everywhere.

Topic: International Labor Standards
Country: Iraq
Delegate Name: Quinton Williams
School: Flint Northern High School

In the past we were a country who avoided things relating to or about the international labor standards. This is because we were a country formed on dictatorship, it was all we knew. Not only were we built on a county based on dictatorship, but we gained our independence from being based on dictatorship. If you wanted something you'd have to take it by force, yourself. Those who had no power had nothing. So when it came to jobs with rules there were none, until now.

When it comes to our form of government we are built on a parliamentary democracy, this means power lies first in the hands of those elected in the Parliment to represent the people. Our enemies have been against us converting to a country for the people by the people. So the United Nations passed a sanction that involved the United States beign on our grounds to protect us from those against us forming a country based on Parlementary democracy. So while they are protecting us we are suppose to be working for our people. Our people want to have the freedom to assemble and rally. We have not given them these rights and the government should. They would also like laws to protect against racism in the work field against gays, bisexuals, christians, and many other minority groups.

The major purpose is our country's citizens need more laws involving freedom, and an extension on their rights. This is because they are our people and what we are failing to realize is that we are now a country for the people, by the people. We need stricter laws that not only fall for our citizens, but laws that are for our head of offices as well, such as our judicial branch. I propose that in regards to our labor standards that we find some form of equality not just for certain groups but for all Iraqi citizens, of our nations, to have freedom of the press and more rights that will allow them the power to rally and assemble.

Topic: International Labor Standards
Country: Malawi
Delegate Name: Veronica Boomers
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Standard labor laws are the body of laws, administrative rulings, and precedents which address the legal rights of, and restrictions on, working people and their organizations. As such, it mediates many aspects of the relationship between trade unions, employers and employees.

Malawi has made a Standard Labor Act in the year 2000 that is An Act to establish, reinforce and regulate minimum standards of employment with the purpose of ensuring equity necessary for enhancing industrial peace, accelerated economic growth and social justice and for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto. Malawi wants Remedies for infringement of fundamental rights, Equal pay, No person shall discriminate against any employee or prospective employee on the grounds of race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, nationality, ethnic or social origin, disability, property, birth, marital or other status or family responsibilities in respect of recruitment, training, promotion, terms and conditions of employment, termination of employment or other matters arising out of the employment relationship. No person shall be required to perform forced labor.

Countries that we have partner with in combating these situations are as follows: The United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, France, etc. Many of these countries agree with our Labor Laws, and confer that there should be anti discrimination, child labor laws, laws against employers, etc.

`Countries such as North Korea fail to acknowledge the pain and suffering of their people while they are having forced labor in their country, along with little to no payment, making it impossible to live a happy life. Along with countries such as China, who essentially prefer children to be working the factories, which are unsafe environments and forced labor. There are more than just these countries that abuse the Standards of Labor.

Topic: International Labor Standards
Country: Mozambique
Delegate Name: Claire Dennis
School: Roeper School

Mozambique recognizes the need for heightened international standards in certain areas of the issue. We strongly support high standards workplace safety and we do not accept child labor. Unfortunately, child labor is an issue that is very pressing in Mozambique. With an estimated 50% of Mozambique’s children working before the age of 12, child labor is sadly very prevalent. Children are working in both the informal and formal sectors from very young ages. They may work on the streets, guarding cars or collecting scrap metal, or sometimes on their family farms working just as hard as adults. Whatever it is, it is unacceptable. We have collaborated with UNICEF to prevent these issues. We are educating our citizens via flyers or pamphlets. We see education as the key force to stop this problem. We are working to increase school attendance. We are trying to address this issue and with the help of foreign aid we can hopefully reduce the amount of child labor in our country.

With only 6% of Mozambique’s workforce in the industrial sector, we recognize there is need for development in this area. This means while Mozambique strongly supports high standards on such issues as workplace safety and child labor, we cannot support high international wage standards. Being one of the poorest countries in the world, we need to develop our economy significantly. With this in mind, we believe it is in the best interest of our country to not support a higher minimum wage. We need to meet global competition and provide incentives for foreign investment. We would like to grow our industrial sector and keeping wages competitive within the regional labor market of Sub-Saharan Africa appears to be the only way to attract foreign investment, therefore growing our industrial sector. With 21% of our GDP from agriculture and 81% of citizens in that sector, it is apparent that we need to grow different sectors. Our industrial sector, employing only 6% our workforce, accounts for 31% of our GDP. It is obvious that industry needs to grow in Mozambique. Again, to compete globally, we cannot support the higher wage standards that developed and newly industrialized nations have. In many developed and rapidly developing countries, it is true that raising wages can improve the standards of living. However in Mozambique, where little industry exists, we would only drive out our few investors in favor of countries with lower wages. In this way, our only option to attract investors and to raise the standard of living is to keep the wages low.

We recognize that Mozambique has a long way to go to solve its economic problems, but hopefully with more reforms and further help from the international community, we can give our people better lives. While we support the idea of minimum wages in industrialized and newly industrialized countries, such measures are wholly inappropriate for developing and least developed nations, of which Mozambique is one.

Topic: International Labor Standards
Country: Netherlands
Delegate Name: Rachel Boshoven
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

International labor standards is a topic largely debated topic between industrialized nations and less industrialized nations. Labor issues and unfair treatment on job sites is becoming an increasing problem. According to the ILO, international labour standards contribute to the possibility of lasting peace, help to mitigate potentially adverse effects of international market competition and help the progress of international development. The Kingdom of the Netherlands believes that we need to set international labor standards in order to eliminate unjust and inhumane labor practices.

The Netherlands is working hard to set interantional labor standards. The Netherlands is deeply involved in one of the core labor standards specifically the prohibition of child labor. The Netherlands’s government gave an important boost to the international debate on child labor by organizing the Amsterdam Child Labor Conference. This Conference attracted much attention both nationally and internationally. The Netherlands favours Conventions with minimum standards and basic rights in general terms, instead of overly detailed Conventions which are not flexible and are less likely to be ratified. The Netherlands also believes that the global goal should be to narrow the gap between rich and poor and to combat poverty. The Netherlands strongly adheres to the fundamental ILO Conventions. Denouncing them is fully out of the question. The Netherlands supports international labor standards and wishes for them to be universal as soon as possible.

There are many people working with unfair benefits. Action needs to be taken in order to promote and realize standards and fundamental principles and rights at work, create greater opportunities for women and men to secure decent employment and income, enhance the coverage and effectiveness of social protection for all, and strengthen social dialogue in the world.

Topic: International Labor Standards
Country: Norway
Delegate Name: Colleen Russell
School: Mattawan High School

Norway currently acknowledges the issue of international labor standards. Some countries lack the standards that workers desire which include more rights to safety, health, and employment standards. These labor issues have become very debatable throughout industrialized countries and non-industrialized countries because of the varying standards among them. The industrialized nations feel their laws are superior and there is a need for a regulated standard for labor.

Norway has a very high living standard and their average hourly wages are among the highest in the world. The unemployment rate is very low for Norway and possess fair treatment for workers. Their approach to labor standards in their nation is very proactive and continually working towards improvements. Norway worked with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to be the first European country to ratify the Maritime Labour Convention. This set a standard of minimum requirements for people who work on a ship, the conditions, the hours of work and rest, wages, leave, repatriation, accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering, occupational safety and health protection, medical care, welfare and social security protection. This convention is expected to progressively move throughout other European countries with Norway being the first to lead the importance of labor issues.

Norway believes in continuing the improvements among all forms of labor. The people of Norway do not commonly experience unfair labor laws, but other countries are which Norway feels those other countries should reform to a standard similar to theirs and most other European countries. Possible solutions for other countries are for the stronger nations and the ILO to provide information and guidelines to forming appropriate labor standards to countries which lack this ideal. Norway does not feel a need to infringe upon sovereignty, but non-industrialized countries should consider accepting these guidelines.

Topic: International Labor Standards
Country: Russia
Delegate Name: Celia Kaechele
School: Forest Hills Central High School

International labor standards deal a considerable amount with highly industrialized nations setting the standard very high and lesser developed countries struggling to achieve those high standards. However, some of these countries see a greater incentive in not striving to achieve these goals because, at the expense of their citizens, the lower the labor standards in their country the more buisiness they can attract from countries with higher labor standards. This can then, in turn, result in the loss of jobs in the well developed country that has moved its business to a place where they feel the lower standards will give them a leg up on their competition. International labor standards deal in part with the right to organize in labor unions, workplace safety and health regulations and minimum age laws, as well that workers have the right to express themselves. The International Labor Organization (ILO) is the body (recognized by the United Nations) primarily in charge of the issues pertaining to international labor standards; for example they are the body that gave workers the right to join labor organizations if the so choose, and required the supression of all forced labor activity. However, despite all the attempts it has made at regulating labor standards the ILO focuses primarily in Europe, and it's international scope is rather limited.

The Russian Federation is a serious supporter of the ILO and its endeavors hosting a subregional office of the ILO in Moscow that oversees ILO activities in nine countries besides Russia (the others being Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan). Recently labor standards has develped into an issue of far greater importance than it has been in the past, we are striving to ensure citizens’ rights to decent work and better living standards and to reduce poverty.

Russia does not so much have an issue with outsourcing to other countries where international labor standards are more lax, however many other countries have been bringing their business to Russia. The establishment of the ILO in Moscow has really done a wonderful job to prevent the issue of lax standards and the taking advantage of other countries lowered standards.

We feel that in order to be more effective the spread of the subregional offices of the ILO need to encompass more areas. Currently they are spread through Europe, parts of Asia and the Carribbean, but they are considerably laking in areas in Africa and South America where labor standards generally tend to be lower as a result of the countries simply being lesser developed overall. If we can give those countries the same help that has been provided to ours the could have a considerably higher chance of improving their labor standards and realizing that the benefits of that outweigh the benefits of taking in business from outsourcing countries.

Topic: International Labor Standards
Country: South Korea
Delegate Name: Parker Hughes
School: Forest Hills Central High School

The Republic of Korea has average working conditions compared to many of its surrounding countries in South-east Asia. Although problems still linger with the lack of human resources such as sexism, abuse, and accidents

Prohibitons in the constitution of South Korea are fair and recgonized in other countries. Child labor is prohibited, but children can work under the age of 18 under certain conditions. To do so, children must have a certificate from the Labor Ministry, which is rarley issued until the age of 14. They must also have a wrriten approval from their guardian. There are several laws concerning child labor and they are usually enforced, but due to lack of human resources regular inspections are not done. Ths causes many accidents and rates still continue to rise.

The 1987 Equal Employment Act provides for the equality of men and women in the workplace. Despite this improvement women are still being physcially and sexually abused. The government has passed laws to punish the abusers, but abuses have stil continued. We realize that this is an enormous problem and would like to try to prevent abuses forever.

South Korea joined the International Labor Organization (ILO) in 1991, but has not yet ratified the ILO conventions on Workers Rights (agreements on the freedom of association, on the right to organize and collective bargaining, and on the right of public-service employees to organize). The Republic of Korea allows employees to associate freely, excluding public sector employees.The constitution and the Trade Union Law provide for the right of workers to collective bargaining and collective action. Workers also have the right to strike, but strikes in government agencies, state-run enterprises, and defense industries are prohibited.

South Korea is also known for its relatively low wages, causing workers to move to other countries. The 3-Ds(dirty, dangerous, difficult) is also causing civilians to move. Our recent conversion from an agricultural economy to an industrialize economy has left our human resource inexperienced and dependent on dangerous jobs. Higher education on the jobs will help combat the problem, but the government is too focused on economy.

Topic: International Labor Standards
Country: Sudan
Delegate Name: Chad Scott
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Labor standards in Sudan are not appalling as some may think. As stated in your Labour Law: “It shall be prohibited to employ women in occupations which are hazardous, arduous or harmful to their health, such as carrying weights or assigning women to perform jobs under ground or under water or jobs which may expose them to poisonous material or to temperatures exceeding the normal limits borne by women.” We also do not work young people for more that four hours.

Sudanese employees are happy because we discuss with the employee when it would benefit him/her to be paid. Also we pay full for the first three months of absence, and half pay for three months of absence following the first period of the three months of absence, and then 25 percent of the pay for three months of absence following the second period of three months of absence.

Also the employers cannot terminate an employee unless The incapacity of a worker to perform his/her job or his/her contracting of a sickness which prevents him/her from returning to work after his/her annual sick leave with or without pay is terminated, provided that the incapacity, diseases or unfitness to work is established by the medical committee as stated in our labor law. Also the termination of the job or the termination of the contract for a definite period and the total destruction of the establishment are other ways an employee could be terminated. We believe our labor laws are fair and we treat our employees well.

Topic: International Labor Standards
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Jack Yarema
School: Cranbrook Kingswood

The United Kingdom recognizes the issue of inhumane conditions that children and adults alike are forced to work in throughout the world. Adults and children are forced to work long hours in unclean and unsafe environments just to be able to supply food for themselves and their families. These jobs are typically life threatening with high chances of being maimed as well. The amount of children and adults working in these positions is outrageous enough, think about how many children and adults are being forced to work illegally in these jobs with even worse conditions and unregulated pay. This is why the United Kingdom implores nations to reevaluate labor laws and crack down on illegal labor.

The United Kingdom implores nations to change and reconfigure current labor laws including child labor, safe working conditions, and a minimum wage standard. Child labor is a serious problem within the working environments of certain countries. Children are maimed and sometimes killed in these environments. Working conditions need to be reevaluated as well such as sanitation and safety of the machines/tools used on the job site. A minimum wage standard is necessary for the less fortunate so that food, water, shelter, and medical attention are affordable in case of injuries outside of work. Implementing a single one of these changes would help to improve not only the workers, but also improve the country’s image as a whole.

The United Kingdom is not setting a requirement for other countries to abide by, but imploring you as our fellow nations to at least take a step towards the improvement of labor laws and the improvement of individual workers. The United Kingdom is asking other countries to set standards for themselves to improve the current situation of working conditions and the workers being exploited in these conditions.

Topic: International Labor Standards
Country: United States
Delegate Name: Raymond Welch
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

The United States believes that the United Nations should establish uniform labor standards. Employers have a moral obligation to their workers to provide suitable and humane working conditions. Countries in the United Nations also have a moral obligation to pass resolutions that will help workers in other countries to gain access to fair, safe working conditions. This obligation also extends into trade agreements in that trade should be restricted with countries that do not promote laws against severe working conditions. Furthermore, countries that have low labor standards will unfairly detract from other economies that have high labor standards because countries that do not invest in improving working conditions can also manufacture and sell goods at a lower cost, driving nations that practice safe working conditions out of competitive markets.

The United States of America resolutely believes that all member states should be required to meet a minimum standard for labor conditions because it is both economically and morally dangerous and unwise to subject workers to harsh and unsafe conditions in the workplace. Nations that intend to enter into international trade agreements should be required to maintain minimum standards for working conditions and it is to this end that the United States of America will work during the forthcoming summit. In so doing, responsible countries can and will not only encourage humane treatment of workers, but by setting conditions for workers’ minimum wages and ages and work environments, the United Nations can promote integrity in commerce and continue to move the world forward.

–The United States of America