Global trade unions emphasize peace on World Day for Decent Work

Martha Ochoa Head of Youth | UNI Global Union

By Sky Industry News

Oct 5, 2024

October 7 marks the World Day for Decent Work, with this year's theme emphasizing peace and democracy amid increasing authoritarianism and military conflicts. Currently, more than 110 armed conflicts worldwide are impacting workers on the front lines, affecting their communities and stripping them of their livelihoods and rights.

UNI General Secretary Christy Hoffman highlighted the essential role of peace in achieving decent work: “Peace is fundamental to decent work. And as we decided in our recent World Congress, ‘universal and lasting peace can only be established through common security, social justice a world free from exploitation and decent standards of living for all.’”

Over the past year, UNI has supported workers in conflict zones such as Myanmar, Ukraine, and Gaza. In Myanmar, following the 2021 coup, trade unions have shown solidarity with those advocating for democracy against military repression.

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In Ukraine, global trade unions continue to push for peace and sovereignty restoration while expressing concerns over union rights restrictions during wartime. Hoffman shared her experiences from a solidarity mission to Kyiv: “I travelled to Kyiv in May this year as part of an international solidarity mission to show the support of the global labour movement for the Ukrainian people.”

The Middle East crisis sees trade unions calling for an immediate ceasefire, release of hostages, safe return of trapped workers, increased humanitarian aid, and a two-state solution. UNI recently filed an ILO complaint supporting Palestinian workers affected by conflict-related employment issues.

Hoffman recounted meeting with UNI affiliates in Ramallah: “I met with UNI affiliates in Ramallah earlier this year and heard the realities they face under an increasingly violent occupation.” She emphasized that despite challenges, efforts must continue towards achieving a sovereign Palestine alongside a secure Israel.

Luc Triangle from ITUC stressed government failures in diplomatic conflict resolutions while urging worker involvement: “Governments are failing to resolve conflicts through diplomacy... Workers must be involved in the peace and reconstruction processes if they are to succeed.”

On this day dedicated to decent work globally, trade unions unite in calling for an end to violence across various conflict-affected regions.