International Young Christian Workers statement on Labor Protection in the International Labor Conference in Geneva, Switzerland

 On behalf of the International Young Christian Workers, we thank the Committee on the report “Leaving No One Behind: Building Inclusive Labor Protection in an Evolving World of Work.”

 As we all know, young workers are one of the sectors that are directly being challenged by their social, economic and political status, affecting much their mental and physical condition. As a movement of young workers, we see Social Protection as an instrument to alleviate and close the poverty gap for having social security and labor protection. Both of these cannot be separated.

 As we embattled high inflations in every corner of the world, Social Protection plays a major role to cope up on the daily life of young worker. The Decent Work Agenda must be respected not only by the high bodies of Employers Organizations, Trade Unions and National Governments but also seriously implemented down to the grass-roots. Issues on wage, working time, occupational safety and health, and security of tenure is still a big question and challenge to every one of us.

 Herewith a testimony of young workers that reflects the challenges that we are facing in the grassroots:

“I am Saeful Fauzi, 21 years old from Indonesia. I worked at PT. Tirta Alam Segar as machine operator. I started my work last January 2023 with 3 months contract. My salary is below minimum wage around USD 300. After 3 months of work, my contract has ended and the company have no plan to renew my work contract.  Many companies prefer to look for new workers because of cheap labor. At the moment I am unemployed and trying to find another job. My life is very precarious”

We claim that Social Protection is a right. Therefore, there is a need on policy changes to make sure Social Protection will become a reality for young workers.

1.      We call for Decent Income for All, not just barely rely on minimum wage. Minimum wage is not a living wage.

2.      The need for the decent work that provides a long term perspective to start one’s family life.

3.      Furthermore, we call for the abolishment of contractualization and all other forms of flexibilization of work. Workers have the right for security of tenure, not for 3 months, not for 6 months and not for one year. With work and income guaranteed, young workers will have a bright future, so as the society we live. 

4.       Labor protection should be for all workers and should not be limited to employed wage workers but as well as workers in informal Economy. Social Protection should close the gap on social security by creating specific legislations protecting the vulnerable groups such as migrants, domestic workers, and platform workers.

5.      Social protection should also be innovative and adaptive enough to reach people working in new types of jobs such as ‘platform’ workers and workers in the gig economy. The state must invest in health and education especially for young workers, and prepare them by just transition for these new types of jobs.

6.      And lastly, Labor Protection should cover the creation of a mechanism where workers can easily access for labor justice. Streamlining the bureaucratic procedures and reduce cost for the workers in accessing labor courts. We call for our social partners to provide free legal advice and assistance to workers.   

Thank you for not leaving behind the young workers. Building inclusive labor protection is a way for a JUST WORK FOR ALL!