Topic: International Labour Organization

Europe pact: Members must balance budgets or suffer sanctions

European leaders signed a fiscal pact that would enforce balanced budget among member states. Leaders also pledged to promote growth. Members must still ratify the pact.

New California law combats human slavery

California law requires companies to make clear what they are doing to rid their foreign suppliers from the use forced labor or human trafficking.

In Burma: a fake out – or real reform?

Longtime Burma (Myanmar) watchers say recent reforms may amount to a genuine democratic opening for the authoritarian regime, but critics dismiss the moves as a propaganda offensive.

Why Burma's prisoner release may be more than a token gesture

Observers of Burma (Myanmar) say that political prisoners may be among those included in the Burmese government's announcement of amnesty for more than 6,300 people.

Indonesia's youth groups try to counter militant recruitment

As reports of militant recruitment among young people rise, small groups are popping up across Indonesia in an effort to help keep youths safe.

As trade pact with US sits, Colombia looks to China, others

Colombia's ambassador this week urged Congress to approve a free trade pact negotiated back in 2007. US is losing market share as Colombia looks elsewhere for imports.

Gender inequality costs Asia $47 billion annually

Gender inequality in Asia exerts a substantial economic drag, according to the International Labor Organization. Improved education, job training is needed.

The Obama Doctrine is bad foreign policy

In his speech about Libya last night, President Obama articulated his thinking about intervention quite clearly – and it's quite clearly unacceptable.

Thailand offers safety net to informal workers to boost economy

Proponents say that a safety net in the form of social insurance for Thailand's informal workers – including taxi drivers, food vendors, garbage recyclers – could ease social tensions in a politically polarized nation.

At Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, recipient Liu Xiaobo represented only by his words

Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo, a jailed Chinese dissident, was honored in absentia today in Oslo, the first time in 75 years that no one was present to represent the laureate.

Why your Mexico City taxi driver might be a former executive

Taxi driver jobs in Mexico City can be a last grasp at economic security for professionals who have fallen victim to rampant age discrimination and recent economic woes.

The glittering Gulf states' dark labor secret

Foreign workers fuel the continued rise of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, while working for low wages and in miserable conditions.

What stigma? Burma (Myanmar) draws energy-hungry neighbors

Activists who pressured Western companies to boycott Burma (Myanmar) are now preparing to battle Asian firms eager for Burma’s oil and gas.

In India, local tribe battles UK giant Vedanta over bauxite mining

The Dongria Kondh tribe aims to defend its 'sacred' Niaymgiri hills in India from the bauxite mining bid of UK giant Vedanta. The conflict highlights India’s growing dilemma: how to balance badly needed industrial growth with residents’ connection to the land.

Unemployment among Latin America youths fuels 'lost generation'

A lost generation is emerging as unemployment soars among Latin America youths. Nearly 20 percent are neither studying nor looking for jobs.

Is South Korea backsliding on its democracy movement?

Teachers, citizens barred from political organizing.

Japan's economic downturn pushes more onto streets

Homelessness has doubled over the past year, say some, as once-vaunted community and company support has frayed. Many people sleep in parks or 24-hour Internet cafes.

Economic downturn fuels human trafficking

Twelve more countries are on the US watch list this year for failing to combat trafficking, as the recession makes workers vulnerable to exploitation.

Hundreds of African migrants die in shipwreck off Libya's coast

Global trade slump hits Asian labor

Many factory workers in export-heavy economies like Thailand's have lost their jobs. With agricultural demand also down, farming has become a less reliable Plan B.

Unions in China still feeble, but gaining foothold

Most Fortune 500 companies operating there have agreed to let workers organize, but can expect little pushback from the state-controlled groups.

Burmese forced from relief camps

Cyclone refugees are being evicted from shelters, according to Amnesty International. Analysts say the regime is dispersing those who might foment opposition.

In Italian elections, Berlusconi's charisma is winning

Voters, who head to the polls Sunday, see the flamboyant former leader as the man to lift Italy out of its malaise.

Practical steps to end poverty

Provided we have the will, where would we begin? How can you help?

Burma's allure places travelers in ethical dilemma

Activists say tourist dollars support the military junta, but many Burmese say they need the income.