
Labor Minister Rolando Castro reported that El Salvador is just days away from achieving an unprecedented milestone: being removed from the International Labor Organization’s (ILO) watch list, a list on which the country has remained for years due to labor-related concerns.
The ILO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting decent work worldwide. Its work consists of monitoring compliance with international labor standards, guaranteeing fundamental workers’ rights, fostering dialogue among governments, employers, and employees, and evaluating labor conditions in member countries.
The announcement came following a meeting of the Consejo Superior del Trabajo (CST), where the delegation that will represent the country at the ILO on june 1 was also confirmed. As the official explained, this progress is the result of joint efforts between the government, workers, and the business sector, who have reached agreements aimed at improving working conditions and complying with international standards.

Castro emphasized that one of the determining factors has been the support of the workers, who have chosen to back the actions promoted by the Government. This support, he affirmed, has allowed for the consolidation of progress that now places the country close to being removed from the shortlist.
The minister said that leaving this status behind not only represents international recognition but would also have positive effects on the economy. He explained that ILO assessments are often considered by trading partners such as the European Union and countries like the United States when establishing agreements and analyzing investment conditions.
He noted that being removed from the shortlist would contribute to improving El Salvador’s image internationally, generating greater confidence among investors and facilitating new business opportunities. For years, he indicated, this classification has influenced the external perception of the country in labor matters.

Likewise, the Minister of Labor emphasized that this potential achievement is a product of President Nayib Bukele’s leadership and the collaboration among various sectors. In his view, El Salvador has shown concrete progress in guaranteeing labor rights and building an environment with greater legal certainty.
Finally, Castro reiterated that this step is of great importance not only for the labor sector but also for the country’s economic and social development, as it strengthens international confidence and improves conditions for workers.
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