The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the many flaws in our society when it comes to decent work, pay and income. As such, World Day for Decent Work is dedicated to fighting for the dignity of all workers and the socially vulnerable.

World Day for Decent Work is celebrated each year on October 7, organised by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).

It was first celebrated in 2008 and is today recognised by more than 100 countries that participate in activities celebrating the achievements of trade unions.

The theme for this year is ‘Wage Justice’ as the organisation advocates for just wages for all workers.

“The 2022 ITUC global rights index revealed that more countries are violating fundamental workers’ rights including the right to collective bargaining,” said Sharan Burrow, ITUC general secretary, in a press release yesterday (October 6).

“Wage justice, along with universal social protection, is at the heart of the new social contract that the world so desperately needs, to ensure financial security for households and a sustainable economy,” Burrow added.

World Day for Decent Work is therefore used to also call on government officials to govern and ensure fair treatment of all workers.

In Jamaica, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security is also a division of the government dedicated to this cause, partnerting with the unions across the island.

Led by Karl Samuda, minister of labour and social security, the ministry’s mission is “to promote a responsive labour market and deliver effective social protection programmes for the vulnerable in an efficient manner while promoting a national culture of productivity within the decent work agenda”.

There are many trade unions who advocate for the fair treatment of workers across the island. These include the National Workers Union, Jamaica Teacher’s association and Jamaica Worker’s Union.