Kari Tapiola has been with the ILO since 1996. The Finnish labour expert and former unionist served as Deputy Director-General and Executive Director from 1996 to 2010. Since October 2010 he has been Special Adviser to the Director-General of the ILO.

Kari Tapiola worked in Finland as a journalist (1966-1972) and as the Political Secretary of the Minister for Foreign Affairs in 1972. He was International Secretary of the Central Organization of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) in 1972. Before joining the Office Mr. Tapiola was a member of the ILO’s Governing Body, representing the Nordic Workers, for five years. He attended his first International Labour Conference as a Workers’ delegate of Finland in 1974. In the Conferences 1991-1996 he was Workers’ Vice-President of the Resolutions Committee.

"What we need to do is to implement [the regulations] on child labour" says Mr. Kari Tapiola. Also in this last part of our interview, he talks about his education as a child and his first summer-job. The way he heard about age regulation for the first time in his life, was that very summer.

To listen to the 1st part, please click here.

Photo showing half-length portrait of two girls wearing banners with slogan "ABOLISH CHILD SLAVERY!!" in English and Yiddish, one carrying American flag. Probably taken during May 1, 1909 labor parade in New York City. Courtesey of the Library of Congress.