msumun background guide

Role of the ILO: General Overview

• Background: The committee will start on December 13, 1981, post-martial law in Poland.

• Primary Goal:

  • Promote social justice and improve universally recognized human and labor rights.

  • Emphasize that the ability to work is a human right that cannot be rescinded by any government.

• Demands for Safe Working Conditions:

  • Ensuring freedom, safety, and dignity in workplaces.

• Monitoring Activities:

  • Observing the Solidarity Movement and focusing on labor markets; ensuring legal status for labor movements in Poland.

• Reports of Violations:

  • Concerns about breaches of ILO Convention 87 (freedom of organization) and Convention 98 (right to organize and collective bargaining).

• Response to Political Issues:

  • Considering measures to address the actions of political leaders in Poland.

Formation of the Solidarity Movement

• Historical Context:

  • Originated from labor strikes in Poland during the 1970s, driven by Soviet economic policies.

  • Earlier strikes were unorganized leading to arrests and deaths.

  • In 1976, the Committee for the Defense of Polish Workers was formed to support strikers.

• Key Events Leading to Solidarity:

  • 1976 Strikes: First organized strikes to express demands for better conditions.

  • Lublin July Strikes (1980): Marked the beginning of more coordinated worker actions against economic policies.

• August Strikes at the Coast:

  • Involved Gdansk shipyard workers organized by Lech Walesa, culminating in the formation of the Solidarity movement on August 31, 1980.

  • Demands for recognition of Solidarity's autonomy were agreed upon, making it the first independent labor union in a Soviet Bloc country.

  • This involvement peaked with over 10 million workers participating.

• Martial Law Imposition:

  • December 12, 1981, marked the imposition of martial law in Poland, leading to violent suppression of the movement.

Economic Context

• Economic Hardship:

  • Rapid economic reforms under Edward Gierek led to temporary improvements but created long-term debt issues.

  • Declining living standards and austerity measures fueled worker dissatisfaction and mobilization against the government.

• Strikes and Demands:

  • Strikes grew out of frustrations over food shortages, poor pay, and political repression.

  • Increasing organization led to political demands alongside economic ones.

Organization of the Solidarity Movement

• Structure:

  • Divided into regional and central commands, with the central command exerting significant influence over movement direction.

• Characteristics:

  • Workers focused on labor rights and better living conditions; intellectuals sought political reforms.

  • Divisions within movement led to apathy among participants, affecting overall mobilization.

Global and Historical Implications

• Impact on the Eastern Bloc:

  • Solidarity inspired dissidents in neighboring countries and influenced political movements advocating for rights and liberties.

• Soviet Tactics:

  • Initially considered military intervention but opted for supporting the Polish government politically instead. The crackdown on Solidarity led to international condemnation.

Questions to Consider for Resolution Development

1. Worker Rights: What conditions should the ILO consider for individual worker protections?

2. International Cooperation: What roles should international organizations play in ensuring prosperity in Poland?

3. Sacrifices for Solidarity: Should other nations make political or economic sacrifices for Solidarity?

4. Maintaining Spirit: How can the ILO keep the movement's spirit alive and address political reforms?

5. ILO’s Focus: Should the ILO focus on labor rights or shift towards addressing political reforms?

Likelihood of Selection

1. Role of the ILO: This topic may be more likely to be picked due to its direct relevance to current international labor standards and the ongoing importance of human rights in labor relations. Additionally, the proactive measures the ILO could take draw attention to real-world applications and solutions.

2. Formation of the Solidarity Movement: While historically significant, this topic may have a narrower focus compared to the broad implications of ILO's role today. It may be selected in discussions centered on historical movements or case studies of labor rights.

Preparation Strategies

1. For Topic A (Role of the ILO):

   • Research Current Issues: Stay updated on recent violations of labor rights and developments in ILO conventions.

   • Identify Case Studies: Prepare examples of successful ILO interventions in labor rights globally that can inspire solutions.

   • Develop Policy Proposals: Formulate clear, actionable proposals that address current challenges facing labor rights in Poland.

   • Engage with Experts: If possible, consult with labor rights experts or organizations for insights and data to strengthen your arguments.

2. For Topic B (Formation of the Solidarity Movement):

   • Study Historical Context: Prepare a timeline of key events in the Solidarity movement for reference.

   • Analyze Current Implications: Consider how the historical aspects of Solidarity still apply today and how they can inform current labor movements.

   • Prepare Questions: Think of critical questions regarding internal divisions within Solidarity and their implications for current labor activism.

   • Connect with Modern Movements: Explore how Solidarity has influenced contemporary labor movements in other countries and draw parallels that could be useful in discussions.

Overall, understanding both topics will allow you to engage in discussions effectively, irrespective of which topic is chosen. Focus on articulating clear arguments and potential solutions based on historical and current contexts.

Crisis Notes for the US Session in the Specialized GA

• Specific Crisis Scenarios to Consider:

  1. Humanitarian Crisis: Present evidence of a humanitarian crisis impacting vulnerable populations, linking it to geopolitical instability.

  2. Economic Crisis: Discuss the impact of economic downturns, including inflation and supply chain disruptions, particularly how they affect allied nations like Austria and India.

  3. Environmental Crisis: Raise awareness of environmental issues, such as climate change-induced natural disasters, particularly focusing on recent events that jeopardize food and water security.

  4. Security Threats: Address rising geopolitical tensions or security threats in specific regions, advocating for coordinated action among allies.

• Chaos Strategies (Acting as the US with Austria and India):

  1. Raise Alarm: Use dramatic language in speeches to emphasize the urgency of the crises, potentially exaggerating aspects to capture attention.

  2. Propose Unconventional Solutions: Suggest bold and surprising measures that may unsettle traditional norms, such as economic sanctions or cooperative military exercises among allies.

  3. Mobilize Coalition Pressure: Gather support from Austria and India to create pressure on other nations, increasing the chances of drawing attention to your points.

  4. Leverage Controversial Topics: Bring up contentious issues that could lead to animated discussions and divided opinions, compelling delegates to pay more attention.

• Acting as the Character of the United States:

  1. Show Leadership: Emphasize the US’s role as a global leader calling for action, highlighting partnerships with Austria and India to solve crises.

  2. Be Engaging and Assertive: Use assertive language and body language that communicates confidence, urgency, and the need for immediate attention.

  3. Build Alliances: Work closely with Austrian and Indian delegates to ensure that their perspectives complement your positions, thus presenting a united front on key issues.

  4. Adopt a Pragmatic but Passionate Tone: Balance a sounding practical approach with passionate pleas that resonate with the audience, appealing to their sense of responsibility and urgency regarding the crises.

• End with a Strong Call to Action: Conclude speeches with clear calls to action, urging immediate cooperation and commitments from the chairs and other countries.