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IYCW's Statement for the World Day for Decent Work

(4 votes)

Written by Secrétariat International

Thursday, 15 October 2009

“Young Workers need Social Protection, now more than ever”

Everyone should be able to have a job that enables them to live a good life in which their basic needs are met. World Day for Decent Work (WDDW) is a opportunity for us to bring forward our demands and campaign as young workers.

The millions of women, men, young people and migrants who work or who are looking for a job need governments that take adequate measures to:

ensure that social protection and workers’ rights are fully respected in labour laws and in practice. Living standards and economies need productive employment to develop.
create millions of meaningful jobs for women and men. Jobs are only improved if they are linked to standards and rights. Social protection gives workers the security they need to face the future with confidence.

But in reality, many young workers are facing lots of difficulties:

“I worked in a bar without a contract, after that in a farming school, also without a contract. In the farming school I had to do practical training for a week in a camp, without earning money, only food and accommodation, and all of this was only to be chosen to work during the summer time. I talked with my colleagues about this situation, working without a contract. They told me not to worry, that they also had been working in this situation for a season ”

Ana Guardia – Spain

“I work in a garment factory which produces shirts. I have been working there for more than 10 years now. I work on 2 shifts, from 7.30am to 3.30pm and from 7:00 pm to 5:00am (including 1 hour break). I am a permanent worker and receive a wage according to the pieces I am able to produce every two week. For each piece I receive Rp. 250 (Euro 0.018) and I am able to produce around 10 dozen pieces a day. So my average wage per two weeks is Rp. 360,000 (Euro 26) and with attended allowance, I receive Rp. 375,200 (Euro 27) in total. It's very difficult to take care of my family and support my education with this salary.”

Nanang Ibrahim – Indonesia

"I am a domestic worker in Paraguay, I work 10 to 12 hours every day. I have to do a lot of tasks without resting. In Paraguay we are not respected as other workers. Therefore many hide their work as domestic workers. They face sexual harassment from employers. Most leave their work without being able to claim for their rights.”

Vincenta – Paraguay

These stories are telling us that we need change in the world of work, and the IYCW is creating a common space for young workers to act in response to these situations. The International Young Christian Workers movement launched their international campaign for Social Protection during the International Council held in India 2008. Our campaign focus areas are the demands for: just work, gender equality and quality education.

What does Social Protection mean for us?

For the IYCW, Social Protection is a right of young workers which contributes to a society that lives the value of solidarity. It is ensured through programs, policies and laws that guarantee stable and just work, economic security, health, the right to education, as well as equality and freedom for a life in dignity. This security permits young workers to realize their full capacity and to make their contribution to society.

So, today, as an international movement, we encourage each other as young workers to continue to campaign for a better life, starting with action to change our own situations. On this World Day for Decent work we reinforce our campaign on Social Protection with lots of motivation for young workers.

We need Social Protection, now more than ever !

Geethani Peries - International President - IYCW