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FIRST ITEM ON THE AGENDA

Continuation of discussions concerning the
programme of work and mandate of the Working Party:

(d) Interim report on country studies

1.  The Working Party will recall that, among the means envisaged to improve knowledge of the impact of globalization on the goals of the ILO, it was planned to undertake a number of more detailed studies to explore the experience of a number of countries in this regard. The Chairperson of the Working Party noted in her statement at the Governing Body's 265th Session (March 1996) that such studies could possibly be initiated before the end of the year.⁽¹⁾

2.  The Director-General has consulted the ILO's multidisciplinary teams and Regional Offices to identify countries having the most important experience in this regard, while at the same time ensuring that the choice reflected the diversity of geographical and socio-economic situations. The Director-General has recently written to the ministers of labour of these countries to inquire whether they would in principle be prepared to be involved in such an undertaking. Where the country replies in the affirmative, the framework of the study would be established in close consultation with the country, while to the extent possible using a common approach⁽²⁾ so as to permit comparisons and to take into account experience gained with the questionnaire. The Working Party will be informed of progress at the next session of the Governing Body and of any work that has begun.

3.  As regards the financing of these studies, the Director-General hopes that their administrative costs can be absorbed to the extent possible by existing programmes; as regards documentation and analysis, he hopes to be able to count on inputs from the countries themselves and the multidisciplinary teams, as well as other competent intergovernmental organizations. However, this will ultimately depend on the size and timing of the studies. It does not seem necessary at this stage to delay any further on this question.

4.  The Working Party may also recall that the United States had volunteered to participate in such a study. After discussion with representatives of the United States Government, however, it appears that the study they had in mind was one that would essentially focus on an examination of United States law and practice in relation to the subject-matter covered by the fundamental ILO Conventions. The question of whether it would be possible to envisage following up on this proposal in another, perhaps more appropriate framework is under consideration.

Geneva, 11 November 1996.

1. GB.265/WP/SDL/D.1 (March 1966).

2. GB.262/WP/SDL/Inf. 1.