- The International Labour Organization (ILO) has revoked the appointment of senior US official Sheng Li as Deputy Director-General, citing significant payment delays from the United States.
- The US, traditionally the ILO's largest donor, currently owes the organisation a substantial $328 million, which threatens 295 job cuts and impacts the ILO's financial stability.
- Li, who previously worked at the US Department of Labor, was due to assume the powerful Deputy Director-General position in July, but the appointment will now not proceed.
- The ILO stated its decision is "without prejudice" to the US settling its arrears and regaining its position as the largest contributor, with discussions ongoing.
- Concerns had also been raised by staff and member states about potential excessive US influence over the body, particularly given a previous US administration's open criticism of the ILO's mission.
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