The ILO's Standards Review Mechanism Tripartite Working Group (SRM TWG) marked a milestone with its tenth meeting, held at the ILO headquarters in Geneva from 14 to 18 September 2026. The meeting reflected a decade of sustained engagement by governments, employers and workers to help ensure that international labour standards remain clear, robust and up-to-date to the changing world of work.
The SRM TWG brings together representatives of governments, employers and workers from around the globe to review the ILO's existing international labour standards. Launched in 2015, the Group considers whether standards are up to date, outdated, or require further action. It also identifies any gaps in coverage in the body of ILO standards and recommends practical follow-up action to the Governing Body.
At the tenth meeting, members considered a range of working-time issues, including hours of work, annual leave, night work, part-time work and working time in road transport, as well as the ongoing follow-up to its previous recommendations.
The meeting adopted recommendations that will be submitted to the ILO Governing Body for consideration at its 358th Session in November 2026.
Reflecting on the significance of the tenth meeting, the representatives of the Employers and Workers groups highlighted the continued importance of social dialogue, standards and the SRM TWG's work.
"The success of the tenth meeting reflects the power of social dialogue, with all three groups demonstrating commitment to keeping international labour standards up-to-date and relevant for the protection of workers and the needs of sustainable enterprises in a rapidly evolving environment," said Kaizer Moyane of South Africa, the Vice-Chairperson of the Employers' group. "This outcome enhances the credibility of the ILO as the source of international labour standards."
"We welcome the outcome of the tenth meeting" said Catelene Passchier of the Netherlands, the Vice-Chairperson of the Workers' Group, "and stress that its follow-up must uphold the ILO's founding mandate. International labour standards were established to protect workers by setting a minimum baseline of rights and protections for all workers, preventing a race to the bottom in working conditions. As the world of work evolves rapidly, the ILO's body of standards must not only be maintained but also reinforced and expanded, to ensure it continues to provide effective protection for all workers. We look forward to continued tripartite dialogue to achieve this."
Closing the meeting, Chairperson Monica Vimbayi Hanga of Zimbabwe commended the commitment to social dialogue demonstrated by the tripartite partners and their determination to find common ground during the intense discussions: "The tenth meeting is a milestone, as the Standards Review Mechanism continues to play a crucial role in shaping an up to date and robust body of international labour standards. The success of this meeting was a collective effort, reflecting the dedication of governments, employers and workers and our shared commitment to dialogue and consensus."
© Enrique Leon/ILO
