International Labour Organisation to Help Russia Evaluate Social Consequences of WTO Entry

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is prepared to assist Russia in evaluating the potential consequences of joining the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The general director of the WTO, Juan Somavia, made this announcement on Friday in a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov. According to the Department of Government Information, prospects for developing cooperation between Russia and the ILO were discussed at the meeting.

Kasyanov thanked the head of the ILO for the assistance given to Russia in developing the new Labour Code. The meeting also dealt with questions relating to the next meeting of the World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalisation, which is to be held in the autumn.

In March 2002, Russia and the ILO signed a cooperation programme which requires ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of Child Labour, and also a series of measures aimed at improving working conditions and pay in Russia.