The Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) participated in the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), held from 2nd to 13th June 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. OATUU was present in its capacity as a non-governmental organization with consultative status at the International Labour Organization (ILO). It was represented by a strong delegation led by its Secretary-General, Mr. Arezki Mezhoud.
As customary, OATUU convened a preparatory meeting for its affiliate members on 1st June 2025 at the ILO headquarters. The session, chaired by the President of the organisation, Dr. Francis Atwoli, served as a platform for discussion and coordination around key agenda items of the 113th ILC session. Participants exchanged views on the current state of the labour sector in Africa and expressed solidarity with workers in Sudan, Libya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They also strongly condemned the genocide committed by the Zionist army against Palestinians in Gaza and called on all delegates to support Palestine’s application for non-member observer status at the ILO, as well as to endorse the 2026–2027 ILO budget.
Key Thematic Commisions of the 113th ILC
The Conference addressed several critical thematic commissions, including:
- General Affairs Committee
- Finance Committee
- Committee on the Application of Standards
- Standard-setting Committee on Biological Hazards
- Standard-setting Committee on Decent Work in the Platform Economy
- Committee on Innovative Approaches for Addressing Informality and Promoting Transition to Formality in Favour of Decent Work
OATUU’s Role and Contributions at the ILC
As the voice of African workers on the global stage, OATUU played a crucial role in ensuring that African labour issues remained central to international deliberations.
- Amplifying African Labour Priorities – OATUU advocated for greater attention to key issues affecting African workers, such as informality, platform-based work, and protection of vulnerable groups.
- Influencing Global Labour Standards – Through active participation in thematic committees, OATUU contributed to the shaping of Conventions and Recommendations, particularly concerning digital labour platforms and biological hazards.
- Strengthening Tripartite Dialogue – OATUU facilitated cooperation among African worker delegations within the tripartite framework (governments, employers, and workers) and promoted interregional unity through coalition-building.
- Defending Trade Union Rights – OATUU remained steadfast in its mission to protect trade union rights and uphold fundamental rights at work, organising regional and international solidarity to denounce violations across the continent.
Evaluation Session of African Worker Delegates
On 11th June 2025, OATUU held an evaluation meeting at the ILO headquarters with nearly 200 African worker delegates in attendance. The session provided space for delegates to share experiences, report on their participation in the various commissions, and reflect on the conclusions drawn from their committee work.
The 113th International Labour Conference officially concluded on 13th June 2025, marking another significant milestone in OATUU’s ongoing commitment to defending and advancing the rights of African workers at both regional and global levels.
