At the 5th Global Meeting of the ILO Staff Union on 15 October, PSI General Secretary Daniel Bertossa spoke about the vital role ILO staff play in defending workers' rights and the organization's mandate during these turbulent times.

The union meeting took place at the same time that the International Labor Organization is facing serious liquidity problems and could cut up to 295 positions (approximately 8% of its workforce) if the United States and other countries fail to pay their dues, which exceed 260 million Swiss francs ($323.34 million).

Speaking directly to ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo, Bertossa emphasized how crucial a united and motivated workforce is for navigating budget cuts and structural reforms: "The ILO can work with a lower budget, but not without a motivated and valued workforce," he said, stressing that staff are the organization's greatest asset in fulfilling its mission and realizing the Director-General's vision.

He also warned about the dangers of relying too heavily on corporate funding, stating that "an ILO overly reliant on corporate funding is no longer an independent institution capable of delivering its independent mandate." Bertossa also pointed to the larger crisis facing the UN system, noting that "without a functioning, credible UN system, we face a bleak future, one of fragmentation and chaos".

The ILO Governing Body will discuss the situation at its next meeting in October-November 2025. Among the proposals/alternatives being considered to address the situation - in addition to job cuts - are the possibility of relocating dozens of employees away from ILO headquarters in Geneva, as well as outsourcing services.

Calling on ILO staff to support the Union's work, he stressed that collective strength is essential: "Every extra member makes us stronger, every worker willing to act makes us stronger." He recognized solidarity efforts globally, citing successful union actions in the USA, Argentina, Ireland, and Uganda, and committed PSI's support through advocacy, campaigns, and industrial action.

The ILO is not the only UN specialized agency facing challenges. UNHCR confirmed that by the end of December 2025 it would be cutting  6000 jobs globally; UNICEF announced it would have to reduce its 13,000-strong global workforce by 20 per cent; and also WHO is facing a global workforce reduction of 20-25 per cent. Dismissals have already begun leading to the disruption of global humanitarian aid and threatening millions who rely on these agencies.

Bertossa ended with a call for resilience, reminding staff of victories from the past: "When a pay cut was imposed on the organization, the ILO showed there was a different path. And the staff won, and the ILO won. I think it's possible again".