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“My dream is to have a place of work – with a contract! I want to have a stable life!”

The dream of Maria, aged 20 years, is just one of an anticipated 50 dreams of young workers to be collected during the IYCW's International Week of Young Workers, from April 24th until May Day -the International Day of Workers on May 1st 2007.

Originally from the city of Negresti, Romania, Maria says most young workers find it difficult to find a job in her home city.

“Young people accept jobs without a contract just to have money. It's difficult to survive. The cost of food and rent is really high, so many live at home with their family and rely on support from friends. They are always in debt”.

As a worker without a contract, Maria learnt of the difficulties facing many young workers in her home town.

“I was working for one year in a small shop selling food items. I worked 14 hours per day, but was paid only for 8 hours. I did my best – I cleaned, organised the stock, and built a good relationship with the customers. I hoped that one day my boss would fulfil her promise and give me a contract”

When Maria met the YCW movement, she slowly became more aware of her rights in her workplace.

“Workers don't know about the social security system. If you don't have a contract, you don't have protection or any insurance for your future life after work. I didn't know it was possible for me to be registered with the unemployment office if I didn't have a contract. My boss had all my respect until I became aware.”

This year, the IYCW Movement celebrates 50 years as an international movement, but is fully aware that the struggle must continue by, for and with young workers. The theme in 2007 is the demand for a “Dignified, Stable Job for All”

“We want stability of work and life to become a reality and not remain a dream. Today, young workers find it difficult to get their first job. With the constant movement of production, services and trade to countries of cheaper labour, to find a stable job with a contract and full benefits is pure luck.” says Bridget Rauch, Secretary General of the IYCW.

The first IYCW World Council in Rome was held in 1957 – the beginning of the international dimension of the YCW movement active in Europe, the Americas, Pan - Africa and the Asia-Pacific, that uses the occasion of International Week each year to highlight the demands of young workers everywhere.

“Young workers have hopes, dreams and vision for their life, but we need to act to make these dreams a reality. We recognise that May Day represents the struggle of the past and the vision for the future of our International Plan of Action: for a society with an equal distribution of wealth and resources, a society that guarantees all the fundamental rights that are universally recognised and where people are the centre of economic, political and social concerns”.



Bridget Rauch
Secretary General of the IYCW