August 25th is a reminder to the Young Christian Workers of how much the international movement has meant and of the importance of staying organized in a space that allows us to transmit our diverse concerns and life situations.
For thousands of young people who have gone through the YCW at the international level, it means more than just sharing concerns, it is also a place where thousands of young people have been able to find a new meaning to their lives, a movement where we can transmit our dreams and aspirations through collective struggle.
Yes, we still need to talk about our friend and activist Giorgio. He left us on Sunday 23 June!
But he will always be PRESENT!
Giorgio, from a family originally from Sardinia, started working at the age of 14. His school of life and struggle was the Belgian YCW, where he was an activist and national leader in the 1970s and 80s, and the European YCW, where he was leader from 1987 to 1991, as part of the International Team of the IYCW.
Married to Joaninha, former president of the Portuguese YCW, they are the parents of a son Vasco and a daughter Inès.
Giorgio, who became a Portuguese citizen, was an activist and leader in the CGTP trade union.
Giorgio and Joaninha also founded and ran a reception and social and professional integration centre for migrants from former Portuguese colonies on the outskirts of Lisbon.
Giorgio and Joaninha have always maintained contact with the current and former leaders of the Portuguese YCW.
Annie,
Every Monday for years, you came to work in the IYCW archives alongside Marie-Rose and Marie-Paule. With discretion and efficiency.
Every Monday, you would come in smiling, happy to continue helping the IYCW to which you dedicated so much of your life. With passion.
Every Monday, you would bring cookies and other treats to share with the entire Secretariat team at break time. With generosity.
Until Covid interrupted all those beautiful moments. With violence.
Until the day you had to fight cancer. With courage.
You have left us, and it is with a heavy heart that we are sending you this message. Thank you, Annie, for your precious help, your comforting presence, your contagious smile and your sincere friendship. Thank you for everything. From the bottom of our hearts.
(Editor's note: Annie was an activist with the Walloon YCW and then Vie Féminine. Alongside Marguerite Fiévez and other volunteers, she was one of the pillars of the team of archivists at the Walloon YCW and, later, at the International Secretariat of the IYCW).
The IYCW took part in the 112th session of the International Labour Conference from June 3 to 14, calling for the renewal of the social contract that will take us one step closer to a new society based on solidarity, peace and justice, where human dignity is at the heart of the economy.
In our statement, we reaffirmed that we need a social contract that will secure safe and healthy working environments, access to social protection regardless of socio-economic backgrounds, including access to health, essential benefits and quality education for young workers.
Various Catholic-inspired international organizations, trade unions, the ILO, religious congregations, grassroots associations, the IYCW and others gathered in Rome to give follow-up to the project "The future of work: Work after Laudato Si". A space that allowed us to reflect, with all those present, on the lives and situation of thousands of workers around the world, and on the importance of acting in favor of a dignified life.
Historically, the International Week of Young Workers is one moment to celebrate our international solidarity and movement identity by demonstrating for our rights, celebrating our international campaigns and actions. This year was the same, the International Week of the Young Workers, organized by the International Young Christian Workers (IYCW), served as a platform for young workers from across the globe to come together online and exchange ideas, experiences, and strategies for addressing key issues such as gender equality, precarious work, unemployment, and informality of work. This year’s week-long event took place from April 25 to May 1, culminating in the celebration of Labor Day on May 1.
- IYCW Press Release for the International Workers’ Day 2024: Let’s Call for Unity, Let's Call for Resistance!
- Let's be the Change for a World with Equity and Equality ! [Vídeo]
- Corporate Accountability In Global Value Chains Now: We Need Climate Justice And Respect For Human Rights!
- International Migrants Day 2023
- International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women: For a Future Where all Women Live Free from Fear and Violence
- The IYCW at UNESCO: Let’s Build a Peaceful Future for the New Generations
- Pakistan YCW Is Calling for Support: Help Needed for Jaranwala's Christian Community
- The IYCW Calls for Social Justice that will Guarantee a Life with Dignity for All
- May 1st: Young Workers Demand Work, Justice and Equality for a Dignified Life
- Future Opportunities and Challenges for the Social and Solidarity Economy
- Young women workers are still struggling for equality, equity and dignity!
- International Conference of NGOs at UNESCO: The IYCW Calls for Empowering Programs for the Youth
- Statement of the Civil Society Organizations that attended the International Labour Conference
- November 13, 1882: 140th anniversary of the birth of Cardijn who, through the IYCW, keeps the flame of hope alive in the hearts of millions of young people
- “Called to Act for Just Work”
- The Economy of Francesco Global Event: Encounter, Bridges, Harvest, and Building a Better Economy Together
- The YCW in Venezuela: Facing the Crisis, Young Workers Fight, United, in Solidarity and Strong
- Massive Flash Floods Hit a Third of Pakistan
- The IYCW: 65 years of action and struggle with and for young workers
- Young Workers of the World: Unite and Stand for Peace, Justice and Equality!