The Inter-American Conference of the Ministries of Labor (IACML) is the oldest sectoral conference of the Organization of American States (OAS). In fact, since 1963 the Ministries of Labor of the hemisphere gather periodically in this Conference, which is considered as the main forum in the Hemisphere for discussion and decision-making regarding policy priorities and actions on labor issues.

The IACML guarantees the participation of workers and employers through its two advisory bodies: the Trade Union Technical Advisory Council (COSATE) and the Business Technical Advisory Committee on Labor Matters (CEATAL).

The IACML has created two Working Groups to deepen the analysis of the Conference's priority themes, to spread information and pertinent studies, and to follow up hemispheric initiatives.

The most recent meeting, the XIV IACML, took place in Mexico in September, 2005 with the topic “People and their work at the heath of globalization”. Therefore, the Secretary of Labor and Social Welfare of Mexico is currently the Chair Pro Tempore of the XIV IACML. The XV Conference will be held in September 2007 in Trinidad and Tobago .

The IACML works under the leadership of the troika, conformed by the past, present and future Chairs of the Conference, with the aim to ensure continuity and coherence in its activities. The Troika is currently composed by the following authorities:

•  Ministry of Labor and Employment of Brazil (Past, Chair of the XIII IACML – 2003)

•  Secretary of Labor and Social Welfare of Mexico (Current, Chair of the XIV IACML – 2005)

•  Ministry of Labor and Small and Micro Enterprise Development of Trinidad and Tobago (Future, Chair of the XV IACML – 2007)

To fulfill the mandates of the IACML, the Technical Secretariat (OAS) works in close coordination with other international organizations, especially with the International Labor Organization (ILO), the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

 

List of Ministries of Labor of the Americas
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Ministers of Labor of the Americas
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Ministerial Conferences since 1963
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XIV IACML – 2005



•  First Preparatory Meeting of the XIV IACML
•  Second Preparatory Meeting of the XIV IACML
•  Third Preparatory Meeting of the XIV IACML
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XIII IACML – 2003


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XII IACML – 2001
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XI IACML – 1998
•  Declaration and Plan of Action of Viña del Mar
•  Final Report
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X IACML - 1995
•  Declaration and Plan of Action of Buenos Aires