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:
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:
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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