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.

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. 

Here are some benchmarks for decent work and a dignified life

• Working hours must be limited and respect the laws of the country.
• Parents must have the chance to achieve a work life balance, caring for their children and family life.
• Preventing all forms of harassment of workers.
• The right to the freedom of association, enabling better management and worker relations.
• Pass labour laws for the common good.
• Commit collectively and individually in a responsible, ethical, ecological and united consumer society.
• Enable more women to take up leadership positions in companies and in national governments.
• To build together a more compassionate and human world for all.
• Demand quality education, free of charge and geared towards respect for others.

“Let’s look outwards, come out our from selfishness and our fear. Let's transform this world that we love so much, into a place where it is good to live. Let's work hand in hand for a better world. The choice is ours”. 

As members of the WMCW movements, we invite all men and women of good will to strengthen their commitment to social and trade union movements to construct a more just world, where everyone has the right to land, a house and a job.

"Praised be to you, Lord, for our sister mother the earth, who sustains and rules us, and produces various fruits with colourful flowers and grass"

Our sister is crying out because of the damage we are causing her through the irresponsible use and abuse of the goods that God has given to her. We grew up thinking that we were its owners and rulers, allowed to operate it.

Our own body is made up of the elements of the planet, its air gives us breath and its waters invigorates us as it restores us. " (Encyclical Laudato si Pope Francis. May 2015)

Text written by the secretariat of the WMCW and the Ligue Ouvrière d'Action Catholique LOAC of Mauritius 

The WMCW has also publshed a prayer for this year see link below:

{pdf=WMCW Prayer For Decent Work 2020}