World Day for Decent Work 2019
2019-10-07 12:00
Today is the World Day for Decent Work. Trade unions all over the world and their allies are united in demanding decent work conditions for all workers, equal pay for work of equal value and safe working environments free from violence, harassment and discrimination. #wddw19
This year, during the 12th anniversary, the European Confederation of Independent Trade Unions (CESI) brings to attention the principles laid down in the UN’s International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
As established in Article 7 ICESCR, just and favourable work conditions for everyone should ensure:
- remuneration which provides all workers, as a minimum, with fair wages and equal remuneration for work of equal value without distinction of any kind, in particular women being guaranteed conditions of work not inferior to those enjoyed by men, with equal pay for equal work, and with a decent living for themselves and their families in accordance with the provisions of the present Covenant;
- safe and healthy working conditions;
- equal opportunity for everyone to be promoted in his employment to an appropriate higher level, subject to no considerations other than those of seniority and competence;
- rest, leisure and reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay, as well as remuneration for public holidays.
Many of these principles are also inherent in national constitutions as well as in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, the Community Charter of the Fundamental Social Rights of Workers and the European Social Charter.
This year, CESI is also leading two key projects/advocacy campaigns related to the Decent Work Agenda:
- ”Precarious work: Empowering trade unions to address new challenges” with objectives to inform decision-makers and stakeholders about challenges related to precarious work in Europe, to strengthen the voice of trade unions in their fight against precarious work by equipping them with corresponding (legal) information and tools, and to further develop the capacity of trade unions in this field and raise awareness.
- ”Trade unions for a zero tolerance towards violence at work” with objectives to raise awareness about developing trivialisations or acceptances of violence against state representatives, to build capacity improved occupational prevention and repression tools at work. The project also focuses on the protection of victims of violence, and to discuss possible policy solutions for efficient legislation for improved occupational safety and heal.
CESI strongly advocates to ‘seize’ these principles through advocacy initiatives, projects and conferences on core labour rights, adequate social protection and effective interest representation for all workers.
This is part of our work. Every day, not only today.
Decent work. A human right.
