Estonia had been a member of the ILO from 1921 to 1937 (then voluntarily left the ILO), restoring its membership rights on 13th January 1992.
The ILO has four principle strategic objectives:
- Set and promote standards and fundamental principles and rights at work.
- Create greater opportunities for women and men to decent employment and income.
- Enhance the coverage and effectiveness of social protection for all.
- Strengthen tripartism and social dialogue.
The most important form of work of the ILO is the establishment of international labour regulation, which takes place in the form of adopting conventions and recommendations. The ILO does not adopt universally binding international labour laws, but establishes the minimum legal level that the country that has ratified the convention must necessarily adhere to or (in the case of a recommendation) is recommended to be guided by.
The Estonian ILO Council has been established based on Article 2 of the ILO "Convention on Establishment of Tripartite Machinery to Promote the Implementation of International Labour Standards" (No. 144).
The ILO Council has been established by a regulation of the Minister of Health and Labour, which also establishes the tasks and rights of the Council. The chairman of the Estonian ILO Council is the Deputy Secretary General for Labour and Equality Policies. The proposals and positions of the ILO Council are presented to the Government of the Republic of Estonia through the Minister responsible for Labour topics.
Last updated: 18.08.2025
