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ILO supports new independent voice for world athletes

Published: 24 November 2011
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During a meeting between the International Labour Organisation's Director-General, Juan Somavia, and UNI Global Union at ILO headquarters in Geneva, Mr Somavia gave his full support to the new platform of world player associations and the Nyon Declaration which champions athletes' rights.

Director-General Somavia said, “The ILO backs this important new initiative. Sportsmen and women have the right to have their voice heard at the global level. We should not forget that they make their livelihoods from sport. They are workers too and we should strive to ensure they have the same rights and protection as workers in other sectors.”



Philip Jennings, General Secretary, UNI Global Union who met with Director-General Somavia, said, “The ILO is the home of decent work, partnership and social dialogue. We need to build on these three principles at all levels of sport from the grassroots to the governing bodies, including the IOC.” Jennings added, “We are delighted that the ILO has recognised the significance of this new platform for world player associations.”



The World Athletes Summit, held at UNI Global Union head office in Nyon earlier this month, brought together representatives from more than 100 player associations representing over 150,000 athletes from across the globe.



They voted unanimously to give a voice to world player associations and signed the “Nyon Declaration”, a landmark in the fight to champion athletes’ rights.



Walter Palmer, responsible for sport at UNI Global Union said, “Athletes now have a platform to assert their independent voice. We will engage with the IOC and international federations to support players worldwide with their struggle to be recognised and heard. We believe it is in the interest of global sport that athletes have a seat at the table.”



The key topics discussed included collective bargaining, the status of players, and the reform of the anti-doping rules, anti-corruption measures, image rights, and dual careers/transition programmes.



Read the Nyon Declaration by clicking on the tab “Related Files” at the top of the page.