Published on 26th June 2024
Following nearly two weeks of intense negotiations between governments, employers, and workers, the International Labour Conference 2024 adopted a Resolution and Conclusions on Decent Work and the Care Economy. The private sector was shown as vital in strengthening the role of the care economy, leading to healthier people, enterprises, and societies that generate a boost in productivity.
After consecutive days of marathon negotiation sessions, the employers’ chair, Sonya Janahi, said that employers can be proud of the final text: “The majority of workers in the care economy, both paid and unpaid, are women. As such, our committee took a position on promoting gender and social co-responsibility, and the provision of formalized care work. (…) Quality care provision requires upskilling and reskilling, ultimately enabling job-seekers and workers to work as caregivers, nurses, doctors, and supervisors.”
The role of the private sector and the importance of enterprise-led initiatives in the care economy were prominently featured, the result of exhaustive talks that lasted until dawn on the final day.
Strong collaboration and teamwork saw the recognition of worker shortages, skills, the importance of supply and demand, employment opportunities in the care economy, workplace cooperation, and adequate resources included in the final text. But a big win for the employers – and one that the World Employment Confederation delegates fought hard for – was having Public Private Partnerships (PPP) included.
“The outcome clearly shows how the private sector, and specifically agency work, complements public services in the care economy, which leads to job creation, helps cut health and care costs, and plays a vital role in driving innovation,” says Denis Pennel, Managing Director of the World Employment Confederation. “We are very pleased to see the inclusion of public-private partnerships, which we believe only help strengthen the care sector and make it more agile in times of great need.”
Left on the Cutting Room Floor
Perhaps more important were the items the group managed to exclude from the final text. Language that was removed ranged from poor working conditions, social reproduction, human rights, the right to receive care, fair remuneration, ensuring a living wage, and intersectionality.
Another sticking point, stating care as a public good, was removed. Also, “care is not a commodity” was replaced by “labour in the care economy is not a commodity”. Additionally, a compromise was struck to see “collective bargaining” complemented by “social dialogue”.
The outcome of the discussion reaffirms WEC’s positions presented in its strategic paper on agency work in healthcare. The ILC’s conclusion on the care economy clearly shows both the positive role that the private employment services industry plays in providing quality care and how it is crucial to helping respond to increased demands during crises.
