Each of us, working, wants to earn enough to calmly pay bills. He wants not to worry about whether “first to first is enough”, not to risk his entire fortune in the event of illness, and to perform work in conditions that do not endanger health and life. For some people it is everyday life, for many others - still just a dream. Decent work does not mean satisfying the whims of employees, but meeting the real, elementary needs that a fair labor market should guarantee.
Today we observe how in many countries labor rights are violated and workers, fighting an unequal fight, often with large companies, do not have a chance to defend themselves.
The term “decent work” was introduced by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and is now being developed under the UN's 2030 Agenda (Sustainable Development Goal 8). This slogan draws attention to the principles of work, which are intended to provide decent conditions for all employees. It is part of a wider movement for sustainable development and protection of workers' rights, underlining that we continue to face the problem of employment that violates fundamental human rights. The goal seems simple: decent work is work that is safe, of quality and gives a fair income.
Values
The slogan “decent work” is not an empty slogan, but a set of values that show what work really should be in the modern world. These include:
- respect for human dignity,
- quality and stable employment,
- equality of opportunity, fair income
- safe conditions for the performance of duties.
These values form a common vision of a society in which man is at the center of development. This means that the law - particularly labour law - should protect people from exploitation and abuse, and we as a community should strive for an inclusive and sustainable future. Decent work presupposes both respect for the working person and the inclusion of excluded social groups in the labor market. It is also a reminder that economic development must not come at the expense of fundamental human rights, including workers' rights, nor be reduced solely to maximising profit.
In this way, the values behind the idea of decent work become the foundation of a just and solidary society.
Decent work = human rights
Fundamental human rights include, among others, the right to life and security, the right to health protection, the right to a decent wage, the right to association and to negotiate working conditions, and the right to rest. All these elements are reflected in the concept of “decent work”.
Promoting the idea of decent work is a step towards taking seriously any form of employment as an equal relationship between employer and employee. A transparent, clear arrangement between the two parties makes it possible to reduce abuse, exploitation and fraud, and at the same time underlines that employees must be provided with adequate conditions in order to perform their duties reliably. Decent work is not just about the amount of salary. It also means job security and stability, the possibility of professional development, respect for personal freedom and dignity and equal access to opportunities - regardless of gender, age, origin or social status. Therefore, treating the right to decent work as a human right is not only an expression of social justice, but also an investment in a healthier and more sustainable society.
What do we gain from the slogan “decent work”?
The slogan “decent work” brings with it very specific benefits. First of all, it means creating jobs so that no one is deprived of employment opportunities just because there is a shortage of such places. It also involves respect for workers' rights, including fair and favourable conditions of employment, the right to days off, an eight-hour working day, freedom from discrimination and wages to support oneself and one's family. Decent work is also guarantee of social protection. This means ensuring safe working conditions, adequate rest and access to key benefits such as health care, retirement or parental leave. An important element is also social dialogue; the possibility of having a real impact on decisions in the workplace through the activities of trade unions, the negotiation of employment conditions and participation in the shaping of national and international policies on labour and development.
All these aspects together make the idea of decent work the cornerstone of a fair and sustainable labour market.
The EU supports decent work
The European Union has consistently strengthened its role as a responsible leader in promoting decent work in the world. Actions to date have significantly improved the quality of life in many countries, although challenges such as the renewed increase in the number of working children, the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis and demographic and technological changes show that there is still much to be done. The Union is therefore stepping up its efforts, guided by the four elements of the universal concept of decent work developed by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and reflected in the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. These include: 1) promotion of employment, 2) workplace norms and rights, including the abolition of forced and child labour, 3) social protection and 4) social dialogue and tripartite relations. Each of these objectives also takes into account the issue of non-discrimination and gender equality.
The study
In the article Decent Work: An Aim for All Made by All (2015) researchers identify four key proposals for understanding and implementing decent work. first, the effectiveness of actions depends on the involvement of many stakeholders: workers, employers, consumers, social organisations and public institutions, because only joint actions produce lasting results. Secondly, a distinction must be made between universal aspects of decent work, such as human rights, from culturally specific elements such as the organisation of working time or forms of social dialogue. The third proposal stresses that the concept of decent work must be constantly updated to respond to new challenges, such as technological progress or demographic change. Fourthly, the deficit of decent work, wherever it is, is global in nature and its overcoming requires multilevel action; local, national, regional and global.
summary
Although for many the slogan “decent work” seems either too bold a proposal or simply unnecessary, for most it is still the only chance for a decent life at all.
Decent work is security, stability, equal opportunities and fair pay, which together build the foundation of a healthier, fairer society. To achieve this, the cooperation of many parties is needed; from public institutions, through employers, to workers and consumers themselves. The burden of decision rests with politicians and the power of argumentation on society as a whole.
Sources
- https://poland.representation.ec.europa.eu/news/godna-praca-dla-wszystkich-2022-02-23_pl
- https://www.ilo.org/topics-and-sectors/decent-work
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/300085615_Decent_work_An_aim_for_all_made_by_all
- https://globalgoals.org/goals/8-decent-work-and-economic-growth/
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