Enterprises which tender have to undergo training in labour-based techniques. The contracts also contain guarantees for payment to the enterprises. In return for the promotion and support to local construction industry, the enterprises concerned have to guarantee certain minimum conditions for their workers. The conditions in question include minimum wages, non-discrimination, the elimination of forced and child labour, the right to organize, protection of wages, safety and health and insurance against work accidents. As a result, EIIP projects constitute a very practical instrument for the application of fundamental labour standards and the promotion of social progress.
Women are often over-represented among the poorest of the poor.
They are also in many cases the sole providers for their children. Nevertheless, women are seldom offered remunerative employment. Therefore, the EIIP has given great attention to the inclusion of women in employment-intensive infrastructure works, where in the past men have tended to predominate. Public infrastructure investment projects which adopt the ILO's employment-intensive approach give the local construction sector a considerable boost. Once pilot projects have been carried out, many governments therefore continue to use labour-based methods.