Geneva, June 2, 2025 — At the 113th Session of the International Labor Conference in Geneva, the International Young Christian Workers (IYCW) delivered a powerful intervention during the plenary session on “Innovative Approaches to Tackling Informality and Promoting Formal Work.” Representing the voice of young workers across the globe, Rony Robansyah of IYCW-ASPAC (Asia-Pacific) emphasized the daily struggles faced by millions trapped in informal employment.

Robansyah opened the statement with a moving testimony from a young worker in Peru:

“I worked at a clinic from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., earning just 4 USD per day—and only 3 USD if I arrived late. I had no contract. The official schedule and conditions were never respected.”

This testimony, Robansyah stressed, is not an isolated incident but a reflection of the global reality. Informal work now dominates labor markets, especially in sectors such as agriculture, construction, domestic work, street vending, and gig platforms. Workers in these sectors often endure unstable incomes, a lack of job security, and zero access to legal protections.

“This is a clear injustice,” Robansyah declared. “We, the Young Christian Workers, believe informal workers—regardless of gender—deserve dignity, safety, and equal rights.”

The IYCW’s intervention included a direct call to governments for concrete and immediate action. The movement outlined key demands that include:

• Job security and fair wages for all workers, regardless of their employment status.
• Universal access to social protection, including health care, unemployment benefits, and pensions.
• Dedicated public funding to safeguard informal workers from exploitation and neglect.
• Investment in the Social and Solidarity Economy, promoting sustainable and dignified jobs through cooperative and community-based models.

“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Robansyah concluded. “Let us stand together and ensure no worker is left behind.”

The statement from IYCW echoed growing concerns from youth and grassroots organizations around the world, as the ILO continues to debate policies aimed at transitioning informal workers into the formal economy.

As the committee discussions continue, the IYCW urges delegates not to let these voices go unheard—and to seize this moment to champion transformative, inclusive policies for workers everywhere.