Statement by Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis on election of Guy Ryder as director-general of International Labor Organization

WASHINGTON — Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement on the election of Guy Ryder as director-general of the International Labor Organization:

"I extend my congratulations to Guy Ryder on his election as the new director-general of the International Labor Organization and wish him the greatest success in his new position. Mr. Ryder has been a great advocate of the world's working people, both as a trade union leader and in his work at the ILO.

"He has enormous experience working with labor, business and government, and will be a great asset in leading this organization in efforts to advance good jobs throughout the world.

"The U.S. Department of Labor is very proud of our long history of cooperation with the ILO and looks forward to continuing to work closely with the ILO under Mr. Ryder. In a rapidly changing global economy, it is important that we protect worker rights and ensure that they are well represented in the international community. We are confident that Mr. Ryder is the person to lead the ILO in this mission."

The Department of Labor is a major contributor to the ILO's International Program for the Elimination of Child Labor, its Better Work Program and programs to promote freedom of association around the world.