The World Movement of Christian Workers has published its message for this year’s International Day for Decent Work on 7 October.
Entitled “Let’s dare to dream of a better world,” the statement highlights WMCW members’ efforts to advance the cause of decent work.
“Decent work is central to the four strategic objectives of the International Labour Organisation relating to rights at work, in particular those defined as fundamental by the Declaration of Fundamental Principles Rights and at Work and its Follow-up, adopted in 1998,” the message begins.
“For the ILO, it is necessary to put in place economic policies to stimulate the creation of more and better jobs, to reduce informal work, to fight against child labour and slavery as well as against all forms of discrimination. It is also imperative to promote youth employment, extend and improve social protection, stimulate education and vocational training and strengthen workers’ rights.
“This implies that women and men all over the world benefit from decently paid employment carried out under conditions of equality, freedom, including freedom of association and total security in order to guarantee a dignified life.
“Decent and productive work is the main tool in overcoming poverty that afflicts millions of working people around the world. It is fundamental for building more democratic societies and for combating all forms of exclusion.
“On this international day of Decent Work October 7, it is time to strengthen our reflection on the right to decent work for all.
“Since March, the world has been going through a real upheaval. We realise that we are weak and very fragile in the face of this Covid-19 pandemic. The economy in many countries around the world have been severely impaired. The poor are hit hardest by both disease and misery.
“This global disaster should enable us to reflect and fight, collectively, to change the model of development and our relationship to nature and our environment. We must show more respect for the common good: The Earth. The economic model has to be reformed. We have operated with an economic model of ‘the survival of the fittest. I have more money,
so I will buy more. ‘
“
“This virus that has hit the world has set off the alarm bells. It is up to each and every one of us, in own lives to react. Let’s change our minds, you, me, us…. Let’s not stand by simply criticising. Let us act in our neighbourhoods, our workplaces, in our trade union and political parties. Let’s get out of our comfort zone, let’s reinvent a more just and human model of life,” the message concludes.