They are perfectly compatible with a universal market economy. In fact, they are needed as a part of a well-functioning market economy. Through them it is possible to decide what is feasible and affordable, what is the best way of reaching established goals. Even where we are confronted with the problem of absolute poverty, there are first-aid approaches which are compatible with the respect of fundamental rights. Any situation where any trade unionist is in jail because of trade union activities is a distortion of the free functioning of the economy.
Child labour is a serious drain on the economic potential of any country.
This further demonstrates the need for the ILO to combine the different priorities of its work. None of these approaches alone is sufficient for overcoming the current problems. But we cannot for example legislate poverty or unemployment out of existence. We can strengthen the framework in which the problems should be tackled through setting standards and creating the institutional framework. The Declaration of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work is one important element in this construction.