MTUC Condemns Government Over Absence of Social Partners at ILO Conference

The Maldives Trade Union Congress (MTUC) has criticised the government for failing to support the participation of workers’ and employers’ representatives at the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 1 to 12 June.

In a press statement issued today, MTUC said the absence of the Maldives’ social partners from the conference undermined the principle of tripartism, which forms the foundation of the International Labour Organization (ILO). Under the tripartite model, governments, employers and workers participate equally in discussions on international labour policies and standards.

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MTUC stated that by not facilitating the participation of workers’ and employers’ representatives, the government had effectively excluded voices directly affected by labour and economic policies from the global forum.

The union federation described the situation as a setback for social dialogue in the Maldives and questioned the government’s commitment to democratic engagement, labour rights and its obligations under the ILO framework.

According to MTUC, the exclusion also prevented Maldivian social partners from contributing to international discussions on labour issues at a time when workers and employers continue to face economic and workplace challenges.

The organisation further argued that the absence of workers’ and employers’ representatives could affect the Maldives’ standing within the international labour community and was inconsistent with the principles promoted by the ILO.

MTUC called on the government to explain why support was not provided for the participation of social partners at the conference and urged authorities to ensure similar situations do not occur in the future.

The 114th International Labour Conference took place in Geneva from 1 to 12 June, bringing together government, employer and worker representatives from ILO member states to discuss global labour issues and standards.