Topic: International Labor Standards
Country: France
Delegate Name: Patricia Baron
School: Roeper School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All France position papers GLIMUN 2009 committees
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.
