Topic: International Labor Standards
Country: Guatemala
Delegate Name: Kate Kelley
School: Royal Oak High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Guatemala position papers GLIMUN 2009 committees
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.
