SOVIET TO JOIN I.L.O.

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27191, 7 November 1953, Page 7

SOVIET TO JOIN I.L.O.

Acceptance of Charter Obligations 1 (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 10 p.m.) BERNE, > November 6. The Soviet Legation yesterday sent a letter to the Director-General of the International Labour Organisation saying Russia has decided to take on herself obligations in accordance with the charter of the organisation. Russia is not an 1.L.0. member. The move, which was reported by Tass, the Soviet news agency, was qualified by some reservations. The Russian letter said the Soviet had decided to join the 1.L.0. with a view to the extension qf collaboration with other countries in a -solution of the questions confronting the organisation.

The letter said it was essential to alter the structure of 1.L.0. by increasing the representation of workers in its leading’ organs. It expressed the hope that such an alteration in structure would be carried out in the near future.

The Soviet said she would nbt con .sider herself bound by the 1.L.0. rule and that any question of argument con cerning the interpretation of th< charter should be decided by thi International Court.

The 1.L.0., established in 1919 as an autonomous institution associated with the League of Nations, is a tripartite organisation in which governments, workers and employers are directly represented. It seeks, through international action, to improve labour conditions, raise living standards, and promote economic and social stability. One of its principal functions is the formulatiorf of international standards in the form of international convene tions and recommendations. If a country ratifies a convention, it is required to bring its laws into line with the terms of the convention and to report annually on how these regulations are being applied. More than 1300 ratifications of 103 conventions have bfeen deposited. Machinery is available to see that conventions ratified are effectively applied.