What are the ILO fundamental Conventions?
The ten Conventions cover five rights. Nos. 87 and 98 cover association and bargaining; 29 and 105 forced labour; 138 and 182 child labour; 100 and 111 equal treatment; and 155 and 187 safety and health. The ten Conventions plus the 2014 Protocol to No. 29 make eleven fundamental instruments in total.
Why do the ILO fundamental Conventions matter to you?
A customer code can turn these principles into supplier requirements. The Drive Sustainability SAQ 5.0 asks in Question 5 whether you have a formal policy covering working conditions and human rights. Question 5a asks which areas the policy covers, including child labour, forced labour, freedom of association and collective bargaining, and non-discrimination. Question 7 asks whether you have a formal written health and safety policy.
How do the ILO fundamental Conventions work?
Ratified Conventions bind states. The ILO Declaration, amended in 2022, commits every ILO member to respect, promote and realize the five principles even without every ratification. For a supplier response, map each requested principle to a policy, owner, control, training record and a way for workers to raise concerns.
What mistakes should you avoid?
- Citing only eight Conventions and omitting Nos. 155 and 187, which became fundamental in June 2022.
- Claiming that your company is “ILO certified”; the ILO does not certify companies against this set.
- Treating ratification or a policy statement as proof that controls operate at the named site.
Do all ten Conventions apply directly to your company?
No. They bind states that ratify them, while national law gives them effect for employers. A customer contract can add requirements, so check its clause and the law for each site.
What should you send when a customer asks about them?
Send a five-category cross-reference to your records. SAQ 5.0 Question 5 asks for the policy, Question 5b for training evidence, and Questions 7 and 7b for health and safety policy and training. Do not send worker personal data without a valid basis.