6-10-08, 9:17 am

United Nations, Jun 9 (Prensa Latina) International Labor Organization Director General Juan Somavia, speaking at the annual conference of ILO in Geneva this week, summoned labor rights advocates to urgently challenge what he called globalization without social justice.

The 97th Session of the International Labor Conference taking place between May 28-Jun 13 in that Swiss city has seen the participation of some 3,000 government, worker and employer leaders, to meet here to discuss a wide range of issues including rural poverty reduction, the latest developments in labour rights and enhancing skills development.

Somavia explained that globalization generates growth, but few quality jobs; and generates increase of productivity, but not better wages.

Somavia talked about the global food crisis, linking it to continuing increases in prices. He said that situation hits family budgets especially of the working poor.

Governments must be united to face the risks that worker families face, ILO Director General said, who called for establishing a new balance of policies.

The annual meeting of the ILO also tackles strategic challenges in terms of obtaining decent work, as well as hosts a high-level panel discussion on June 11 on 'Tackling the Food Crisis through investment, production and decent work.'

Among other special events, the plenary will mark the World Day against Child Labour on June 12 under the theme 'Education, the right response to child labor.'

Prensa Latina