Geneva – (ILO News) - The Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Juan Somavia, today issued the following statement regarding the extraordinary meeting of leaders from the G20:
"The G20 Declaration is a welcome expression of collective political will to address the financial crisis. The severity of the consequences for the real economy – productive enterprises and employment – warrants the urgent action decided by the Summit. The broader policy response envisaged by the G20 leaders is vital to shape a more balanced, fair and sustainable globalization.
"Poor and middle class working families in local communities throughout the world are suffering unemployment and loss of livelihoods. Complementary action to stave off the threats to their jobs and security must be an equal priority for the leaders of the G20.
"In preparing the next steps for a further early Summit, the social impact of the economic crisis should be on centre stage and include direct ways in which to cooperate to help people ride out and overcome the crisis. Amongst the issues to be addressed are securing unemployment benefits, sustaining pension systems and assisting smaller enterprises being starved of working capital by the credit freeze. Active labour market policies and strong social protection systems are key underpinnings of a coordinated recovery strategy.”
"The International Labour Organization, representing the actors of the real economy, that is governments, working together with representatives of employers and workers, will be taking action on these issues to help its constituents weather the crisis, prepare for recovery and support the process started on 15 November in Washington, D.C."