ISF appeals for Ratification of ILO Convention 181 towards strengthening Indian staffing industry

March 7, 2013 - PRLog -- Indian Staffing Federation (ISF), an apex body of Staffing Companies in India and CIETT, (International Confederation of Employment Agencies), today appealed to the Indian government to adopt a regulatory framework which is positive and conducive to the industry. At an international colloquium held in New Delhi, ISF has supported establishing a regulatory framework for staffing industry and reforming the existing labor law system to align it with the unique ‘tripartite’ feature of the flexi staffing industry through International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 181. The colloquium was well attended by key stakeholders, senior members of the government, ILO, members of the planning commission, trade union groups, trade bodies among other delegates.

The global staffing market projects India to be among the largest staffing countries along with China, Brazil and South Africa.The staffing industry in developing countries is standing at a very crucial juncture where more than 90 % of the workforce is engaged in the unorganized sector with low to almost no social security. Global experience shows that flexi staffing is the need of the hour which can provide flexible solutions to workers as well as employers.  The Indian job market has shown a modest growth rate in 2013 with the public sector large-scale hiring. Therefore Ratification of ILO Convention 181 by the Indian Government can further contribute towards this growth and development with better macroeconomic policies and implementation of labour market reforms.

Inaugurating the session, Union Minister for Coal, Sriprakash Jaiswal said “With the youngest working population in the world where labour sits at the heart of the nation, the time has come when we should seize the opportunity as a nation to maximize our growth potential. We need to ensure the jobs that we create are productive which is vital for our growth especially in sectors like manufacturing and services besides agriculture.” He further appreciated the efforts of ISF and CIETT in promoting good working conditions, bringing in unorganized work into formal jobs and at the same time providing flexibility to the businesses to run effectively, grow and produce more decent jobs.”

Mr. K Pandia Rajan President, Indian Staffing Federation said, “It is pertinent to note that India is among the top five nations in flexi staffing industry but, it stands out as the only one where the flexi staffing industry does not have a regulatory recognition as yet. Going by the Economic Survey report, it becomes more viable to make necessary provisions, set up guidelines to encourage contract staffing in areas, roles, industries where it can add utmost value. Ratification of ILO Convention 181 can be a positive step in that direction in order to fully reap the benefits.”

Fred van Haasteren, Ciett’s President, said, “With all eyes on India, it is crucial that steps are taken to update its labour regulations in line with the changing demands of India’s rapidly evolving economy. Labour sits at the heart of India’s future growth potential. It is therefore critical that the India refreshes its regulations to unlock the full potential of the private employment services industry.”

Rituparna Chakraborty, Vice President, ISF, said, “If the Indian government creates an inclusive and conducive regulatory framework as prescribed in the ILO Convention 181, private staffing companies will assist India’s humongous labor market transition from the informal to the formal sector, by providing the youth of India a platform that enables them to become more employable and secure a decent job. The Indian Staffing Federation with support from best practices prevalent in other CIETT member countries around the world, will leverage the same to ensure that the pie of jobs in the formal sector in India increases, including contractual and private employment agency services.”

About ISF: Indian Staffing Federation (ISF) was set up by leading staffing companies in India with one common goal - Staffing India's Growth. Staffing - an established form of outsourcing globally - is yet to be recognised and adopted as an effective means of running a business in India. The Staffing Industry provides a platform for recognised employment, work choice, even compensation, annual benefits and health benefits for the temporary workforce that constitutes a sizeable segment of India’s total workforce. The purpose of ISF is to enhance long-term growth of the staffing industry and to ensure its continued ability to make positive contributions to the economy and society. The principal focus of the Federation's activities shall be to strengthen triangular employment relationships, in which the staffing company is the employer of the temporary worker, who works under the supervision of the user company.
About Ciett: Ciett is the authoritative organisation representing the interests of the reputable private employment agencies across the world. Recognised as such by international organisations (e.g. EU institutions, International Labour Organisation, OECD, World Bank), Ciett represents the industry at large with 9 of the world’s largest staffing companies as well as 47 national federations from all over the world. As the voice of labour choice, Ciett promotes the vital role that private employment services play in helping organisations, economies and individuals facilitate adaptation to change, and their capacity to increase labour market participation, reduce unemployment, build better labour markets and deliver decent work. Members of Ciett refuse to compete at the expense of workers’ rights and work hand-in-hand with governments and trade unions to fight illegal work and social dumping. However, Ciett also recognises that inadequate regulation and a small number of disreputable agencies can prevent the industry from fulfilling its potential.