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Workers' corner
The ILO upholds the principles of non-discrimination and equal opportunity and treatment of workers with disabilities---regardless of their employment status. Yet, across the globe, people with disabilities are less like to have access to the very resources needed for success in the workplace or the marketplace, such as education, training, job opportunities, credit, etc. In addition, they face obstacles such as discrimination and physical and communication barriers. As a result, people with disabilities are less prepared for job market entry and are more likely to be unemployed or underemployed than their non-disabled peers. Workers who are injured on the job may face similar barriers in seeking re-employment.
The trade union movement, because of its commitment to equity, solidarity, and social justice is in a unique position to promote equal opportunity and treatment of disabled workers. With the direct role trade unionists play in preventing discrimination, promoting social protection and workers' compensation benefits, injury prevention and related issues, they have a natural interest in advocating for and protecting the rights of workers with disabilities, whether disability results from on-the-job injury or other causes.
Recognizing that trade unions have a powerful role to play, the ILO Convention concerning Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons), 1983 (No. 159) requires that governments develop a national policy on vocational rehabilitation in consultation with employers' and workers' organizations. The accompanying Recommendation No. 168 (1983) and Recommendation No. 99 (1955) offer specific guidance for workers' organizations in promoting employment opportunities and equal treatment of workers with disabilities. More recently, the ILO's Code of Practice on Managing Disability in the Workplace provides additional specific actions that workers' representatives and workers' organizations can take.
On these web pages, you will find general principles and
specific examples about how trade unionists and workers' organizations
can promote the equality and integration of disabled persons within
countries, communities, enterprises, and the workers' organization itself.
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