Equality at Work provides a dynamic picture of progress toward equality at work over the past four years. It sets out findings, conclusions, and recommendations for future action. The report notes the persistence of discrimination and gives practical examples of ways to overcome it. Areas of progress are highlighted, including antidiscrimination legislation, a new ILO instrument on HIV and AIDS in the workplace, and moves to strengthen equality bodies.
The report shows that discrimination is becoming more varied than ever. Despite a strong consensus expressed in laws, policy statements, and ratifications of ILO standards, pay equality remains an elusive goal. Some of the austerity packages and other measures adopted in response to the global economic crisis could increase structural discrimination, with direct or indirect consequences for certain groups of workers. Institutional and legal safeguards against discrimination therefore need to be strengthened.