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What is Decent work

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When we work we get paid and we can buy the things we needed. But more than that, work give us the purpose in life. Work can provide service to other people in need and belongingness to one community to achieve one goal. Everyone wants to earn a living by having a good job and many young workers dreams that their job would provide them a space to hone their unique skill to make things or provide services to the people.

Unfortunately, young workers all over the world are suffering from the consequences of the flexibilization of the labor market (short-term contracts, subcontracting, outsourcing, contractualization, casual work, telework, platform work) (IPA2023-3.2) Even in countries that have implemented a minimum wage, the real salary of young workers is still the minimum wage. This amount is often not enough to provide the basic necessities. (IPA2023-3.4)

The unemployment rate is on the rise due to lack of opportunities, precarious education and age discrimination towards young people (IPA2023-1.1) When at work, young people suffer from long working hours with no respect for break time and day of rest.(IPA2023-1.2)

Yet the International Young Christian Workers (IYCW) believes that work should not only to have work or job for young workers to exist in a day to day but rather a work that respects the workers right, providing just wages and salaries, equal pay for equal work and social protection for young workers (IPA2023-8.3.1) The IYCW demands for a Decent Work for All for a Dignified Life.

Decent work value the role of each workers and his/her contribution to the society, a work that is free from hazardous working environment and in consideration of protecting the environment. The definition of decent work in a simple way is work that is done of one's own will or choice, is paid or provides sufficient income to finance a decent and dignified life, and is guaranteed physical and psychological security and safety.

To be said work as a Decent Work, the International Labor Organization (ILO) itself outlined 3 conditions to be fulfilled:

  1.  Available to all people of productive age (so excluding children) without exception, including those with physical limitations, as well as without gender barriers.
  2.  All workers are socially protected, including those working in the informal sector.
  3.  All workers' voices and aspirations are channeled through a social dialogue system that is humanely dignified.

The conditions that are said to be ideal should become the vision and commitment of all elements, so that they can be realized for the sake of a just and civilized humanity.

Can this dream of Decent Work be realized in Asia-Pacific? To be able to answer this, it is necessary to use the ILO indicators which is divided into 4 main categories:

  • 1.     Right at Work
  • 2.      Employment
  • 3.      Social Protection
  • 4.      Social Dialogue

Come join us in the discussion about Decent Work in Asia-Pacific. If you have comments, suggestions, analysis and any materials to share with us, please feel free to contact us on facebook and Email 

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