ILO Freezes US Official’s Appointment Over Unpaid Dues

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has rescinded the appointment of US official Sheng Li as deputy director-general because of delayed payments by the United States, Reuters reported.

Li had been due to take up the post in July, but the ILO said that would no longer happen. The organization said the appointment could not proceed unless the US paid its outstanding dues. It added that Washington could regain its position as the largest contributor in assessed contributions once the arrears were settled.

Three diplomats told Reuters that the ILO was asking the US to pay at least $50m of the amount owed. The dispute adds to uncertainty over the UN agency’s finances and possible job cuts.

The United States has traditionally held the deputy post at the ILO as its largest donor, funding 22% of its budget. As of 29 May, the US owed 257m Swiss francs, or about $328m, including arrears from 2024 and 2025, according to the organization’s figures.

(reuters, bak)