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Occasion marked annually by the International Labour Organization and worker groups around the globe.
Ottawa (7 Oct. 2009) - World Day for Decent Work (WDDW) is being observed around the globe today by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the governments, employers and unions included in its membership.
The theme for 2009 is the economic crisis and the fact that most of the world is experiencing massive job losses as a result of the global recession. The occasion dates back to 1999 when the ILO adopted a "Decent Work" agenda aimed at improving the lives of millions of workers around the world.
The ILO agenda involves four strategic objectives:
- To achieve fundamental principles and rights at work.
- To promote greater employment and income opportunities for both women and men.
- To aid in extending social protection.
- To promote social dialogue.
"Every person should be able to have a job that enables them to live a good life in which their basic needs are met," says the WDDW website.
"This is an opportunity for trade unions and organizations to join a broad global mobilization involving a large number of people and a wide range of activities.... The economic crisis threatens the jobs, homes and futures of billions of human beings – those who never drew profit from the years of excess, whose work has been underpaid and degraded and who bear no responsibility for what is now happening."
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
More information:
• World Day for Decent Work website