International Labor Organization

The International Labor Organization (ILO), or le Bureau International du Travail (BIT), is involved with setting working standards and practices. It was begun in 1919, then became an agency of the League of Nations.

It was given franking power by the Swiss government, with Swiss stamps overprinted for its use.  File:Switz labor bu tell 2.5.jpg|1928 2½c first overprint File:Switz BIT bldg.jpg|1939 20c League of Nations File:Switz ILO courrier 3c.jpg|1944 "COURRIER" overprint File:Switz labor bridge.jpg|1950 5c value File:Switz BIT machine.jpg|1955 20c engraved File:Switz BIT engr.jpg|1960 50c engraved File:Switz labor 90c.jpg|1988 90c value, additionally inscribed "TIMBRE DE SERVICE" ("official stamp"). 
 * Beginning in 1923, its first issue was released, inscribed S. d. N. / Bureau / international / du Travail.
 * As new Swiss definitives were issued, so were overprinted stamps for the ILO. These included grilled gum stamps.
 * In 1938 on the League of Nations commemorative issue, a circular overprint reading SERVICE DU BUREAU INTERNATIONAL DU TRAVAIL was used.
 * In 1939 and 1942-43, the Federation franc values were overprinted in the original style.
 * In 1944, current definitives were overprinted COURRIER DU BUREAU INTERNATIONAL DU TRAVAIL in two or three lines.
 * In 1950, the Swiss technology definitives were overprinted BUREAU / INTERNATIONAL /DU TRAVAIL
 * In 1956-60 a dedicted engrave series was issued showing either miners or symbols if industry. The 30c value was overprinted for the visit of Pope Paul VI.
 * In 1974, a commemorative was issued for the new ILO building.
 * Beginning in 1975, a pictorial series was begun.

[[Category:I]]