Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund

The ILO has formulated the following requirements that need to be implemented actively:

Dignity and respect

There is no tolerance for psychic or physical violence, sexual harassment, racial abuse or other forms of abuse and violence.

No forced labour

Forced labour, compulsory labour or bonded labour cannot be tolerated, as well as financial security services or the retention of identification documents.

No child labour

Children under the age of 15 may not employed. The minimum age to be able to work is 16 with the exception of subject-related apprenticeships. Until the age of 18 young people should only do tasks that do not threaten their health or morality. Night work is only acceptable with reaching the age of 18.

No discrimination

No one can be discriminated against  for reasons of gender, racial attribution, ethnic heritage, religion, social position or ideology, handicaps, age, sexual orientation, or membership of a trade union. This applies to hiring of workers, pay, access to advanced training, promotions, conclusion of work relations, dismissals, or reaching the age limit.

Secure and health enhancing workplaces and edifices

Workplaces in companies and edifices need to be secure and not threatening for health. There are minimum requirements regarding lights, ventilation, hygiene, fire prevention and security measures. Employees must have access to clean drinkable water. Companies must provide re-liable protection regarding health and accidents and lower work-related risks as much as pos-sible. They need to supply sufficient protective clothing and equipment.

Wages that secure one’s living and are paid on time

Employees receive at least a legal minimum wage or a negotiated wage, whichever is higher. If the wage is paid on a weekly or monthly instead of an hourly basis it is based on legal/negotiated core working hours. In the medium run there needs to be the introduction of a wage that is sufficient to buy groceries, accommodation, transport, costs of education and health issues, and a small saving.

No extra-long work shifts

Companies should keep to legal or negotiated working hours. Average weekly working hours should not be more than 48 hours. Overtime work is voluntary and extra not regular work time. It cannot exceed 12 hours a week and is to be paid for. In a period of seven days, there needs to be a rest time of at least 24 consecutive hours.

Trade unions, collective bargaining and social dialogue

The fundamental right to congregate and form trade unions and start collective bargaining has to be applied and promoted. A social dialogue on equal footing guarantees that work takes place under fair, secure and humane conditions. Those requirements are best implemented, controlled and promoted as part of a social dialogue. That is why freedom of association and the right for collective bargaining not only need acknowledgement but active promotion and support.