Novice International Labour Organization (ILO)

Committee Profile

The International Labor Organization (ILO) is the oldest specialized UN agency dedicated to promoting human and labor rights, holding the founding belief that labor peace is crucial to prosperity. From research and data collection to regional cooperation projects the ILO is focused on using its knowledge and partnerships to meet the needs of all workers. The ILO is unlike any other agency because it is tripartite bringing together the perspectives of governments, workers, and employers. Due to this unique structure delegates are encouraged to consider all 3 actors when developing their resolutions to some of the most pressing labor issues in our status quo. 

Topic A: This topic gives delegates a forum to discuss regulating the essentially unrestricted world of digital labor. With the rise of companies like Uber, TaskRabbit, and Airbnb workers can create their schedules and outsource their skills. In developing countries such as Africa digital labor has alleviated unemployment issues. However, this new area of employment is riddled with poor wages, lack of benefits, and unfair contracts. With no laws set in place, workers are in the control of the companies they work for which have notoriously facilitated unethical practices. As digital labor grows and technology expands it is essential to look toward regulating digital labor to meet the needs of workers in developing and developed countries. 

Topic B: This topic asks delegates to consider the ramifications of climate change on workers and look for solutions to mitigate the negative effects it has and will have on workers in the future. Climate change is not a new problem, but its impacts continue to worsen as air quality and temperatures become more and more dangerous for people to work in. On the flip side, the transition from fossil fuels to green energy alternatives risks leaving some workers without jobs. Moreover, some industries and countries are solely reliant on the burning of fossil fuels for income and stability. As climate change continues to affect everyone this body must look for practical solutions that address the needs of all actors. 

Chair Letter

Dear Delegates,

My name is Sam Lyle (she/her) and I am stoked to serve as chair of the Novice ILO! I am a second-year political science and statistics & data science double major. Fingers crossed I get through my STEM classes unscathed I hope to be a policy analyst or predict elections. While I treasure my time in LA I am originally from Las Vegas (people do live there) and love to bring this up. In my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, taking my labrador Lily on long car rides, going to the beach, and listening to live music. 

My public speaking journey began in middle school when I joined my school's speech & debate team. Since then I have competed in Congressional Debate for 7 years on the local and national circuit and developed a love for domestic and international policy. Coming to UCLA, I wanted to continue public speaking, and MUN seemed like the perfect activity. I have had the opportunity to staff GA and crisis committees at BruinMUN (UNEP) and LAMUN (AdHoc). Additionally, I serve as UCLA MUN’s director of tech and have traveled and competed in GA committees. 

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is the oldest specialized committee of the UN and is known as a tripartite UN agency meaning it brings together workers, governments, and employers. The ILO is tasked with promoting social justice, human rights, and labor rights. This unique agency allows for thoughful debate while considering all aspects of labor from diverse perspectives. I hope you will find these topics pique your interest and encourage pragmatic problem solving to some of the biggest issues that face labor today. I know you will get the job done! 

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out via email.

Best,

Samantha Lyle | Chair, ILO | BruinMUN 32

ilo@bruinmun.org