The Conference Approaches

I've already had a couple position papers come in, so for those that haven't (the majority), get on it, I'll try and be a bit more active in reviewing them.

The economic crisis has been causing some ripples in the labor market. I'm interested to see what kind of effects this could be having on the issues at hand.

I mentioned a movie called A Day Without a Mexican. It should be noted that the movie was crap, and had nothing you wouldn't have heard about in the day to day grind.

Now, three months of backlogged news articles.

The Human Body Exchange: http://mutiny.in/2009/01/17/the-human-body-the-great-commodity-exchange/

Part of the reason why even science students participate in global politics is things like this:
http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/steeped-in-ignorance-and-nowhere-to-flee-from-stigma/412090/

Sometimes developing countries aren't the only ones to feel the sting of labour emigration:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/irelands-second-biggest-employer-defects-to-poland-1242615.html

Historical examples are pretty cool, it's an epic read:
http://www.alternet.org/immigration/118048/a_better_way_to_end_unauthorized_immigration/

Interesting solutions being proposed:
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=45164

Until next time, cheers.

Just because they're leaving now doesn't mean they're gone for good...

There is no doubt that the international recession is taking a toll on migrant workers. This article in the Economist highlights the situation in the United States, noting that Mexican workers are now streaming back across the border. The situation is becoming increasingly similar throughout the world however, this should not deter countries from making concrete legislation. Labour migration has not gone away, it has merely slowed until economic conditions improve.

Bit of a Quicky

Something from ye old trustworthy BBC, the Polish Plumber,

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7735603.stm

International Labour ~Weekly Update

As a student I consider myself busy, so sorry that this is a week late, in return, a double update.

Progress is happening little by little, perhaps an interesting thing to think about is how the ILO could help support countries seeking to resolve this bilaterally, what kind of assistance could we give?
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/pinoy-migration/10/31/08/uae-work-out-labor-deal-rp

Some more detailed information on the accords that are being negotiated by the UAE with India and the Philippines:
http://www.uaedailynews.com/uae/2495.html

Double update eh? Slow couple of weeks for International Labour News. Until next time, cheers eh?

Welcome to ILO - HSMUN 2009!

Hello delegates!

My name is Sarah, and I am part of the news staff that will be covering ILO for this year's HSMUN. I'm a first year Arts student at the U of A. My first HSMUN experience occurred during my grade twelve year when I was a writer for the United Nations News.
Currently, I'm reading through "Extending Social Security: Policies for Developing Countries" on the ILO website. Be sure to check it out, along with all the other resources being provided!

Some More Updates on Labour Migration

Well not everything is going well in Manila for the UN backed Global Forum on Migration and Development, as could be expected, there are protests.

From the BBC Day in Pictures October 27th, 2008.

Some statements from the protesters can be found here,

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/news/view/20081026-168525/Protesters-kick-migration-forum

In the briefing I mentioned that women are an important factor not to forget, and this conference is no exception, with many women also joining the protests.

http://www.uniglobalunion.org/UNIApron.nsf/0/88FBF461EE5FC53BC12574ED0059E5E0?OpenDocument

And some more on the effects of the global economic crisis on a different demographic, the marriage migrant.

http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20081026-168473/Migrant-women-wives-and-workers

welcome!!

hello delegates! welcome to the amazing ILO blog where we will be keeping you updated on important happenings in the world of labour. i am meagan, and will be your director this year. i was a delegate last year, and am now a poli sci major. and i like shoes.
so to get you started on your research, here are a few links to help you on your way. these are the links on the background paper, however this is a handier location. they all pertain to the question of social security in developing nations.
Resources for Delegates…
List of developing nations as defined by the world bank.
This article offers a very intensive look at social security in developing nations, and offers many specific examples.
This resource gives a succinct and very informative overview of the issue.
The content covered by the World Social Security Forum in 2007.
The international social security association offers a database containing social security programs in over 170 countries.
The International Labour Organization’s general website.
NATLEX, the database of social security, labour, and related human rights legislation; maintained by the ILO’s International Labour Standards Department.

happy researching :)