May Day
Decent work and the common good
Message by Juan Somavia, Director-General of the ILO1
Geneva, Thursday 1 May 2008
As we mark 1 May today, the situation in the world of work is one of anxiety and turbulence.
The financial markets are in turmoil. Stability and progress in the world of work is threatened by instability and setbacks in the world of finance. Recent economic forecasts show global growth slowing dramatically this year and the next.
Many economies are facing the stubbornness of poverty. While extreme poverty is declining for some, four out of five people still live in countries where income gaps are widening.
Jobs are becoming more precarious in offices, factories and farmlands. And though millions of new jobs are being created, they are often of very poor quality – for example, street vending is among today’s fastest growing occupations.
The workplace remains dangerous to life and health. Each year millions of workers die or are injured or fall ill in the workplace. Climate change is leading to serious disruption of economic and social activities.
And now another crisis is upon us. The economic well-being of many countries is being undermined by skyrocketing increases in the price of a bowl of rice, and other staple foods. The food price crisis hits the poorest the hardest – undermining the stability of states, and threatening millions with deeper poverty and hunger.
Two years ago, His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, said that work is of primary importance for personal « fulfilment and the development of society, and this is why it is necessary that it always be organized and developed in full respect of human dignity and at the service of the common good. » Today, the imperative to join forces to achieve that common good has never been more critical.
The present course of globalization is not delivering for the majority. Indeed, a recent global survey found that more than three out of five people around the world believe the benefits and burdens of economic developments are not being shared fairly. And more than half of people surveyed feel globalization is growing too quickly while leaving them behind.
But concerns about the economy go far beyond recessions or slowdowns. We see this in today’s headlines, and on the broadcast news. Uncertainty and insecurity breed unhappiness and anger.
Instead of contentment and security, the voice of society grows more anxious and contentious. Today, we must urgently find a balance between the democratic voice of society, the productive dynamic of the markets and the regulatory function of the state.
Eight years ago, I was honoured to address the “Workers Jubilee” in Rome on the need to build a global coalition for decent work. Since then, the ILO’s Decent Work agenda has emerged as an instrument to reshape the fundamentals of globalization: by promoting workers’ rights and confronting abuses; by supporting sustainable enterprises to create jobs, absorb informal work and support growth; by developing sound foundations for the expansion of social security systems and a social floor – shaped to each country’s realities; and by promoting social dialogue and the institutions of problem solving and conflict resolution.
The ILO’s Decent Work agenda recognizes that people and societies everywhere want jobs with dignity for all. Work that provides opportunities for youth and empowerment for women. Work that promotes sustainable enterprises, productivity and competitiveness. Work that will help increase agricultural productivity and output. Work that will reduce poverty and help achieve the Millennium Development Goals. Work that will mean quality “green jobs” to counter the impact of climate change. Work that provides a strong social foundation supporting the ladder of opportunity for people to meet their aspirations. In other words, decent work.
This can only be achieved if work is placed at the centre of social policy, and is « organized and developed in full respect of human dignity and at the service of the common good. » For this to occur, we need to reinforce social dialogue between governments, workers and employers to chart future directions together and to build the trust on which the inevitable compromises can be made.
As it approaches its 90th anniversary in 2009, the ILO’s values endure. To achieve economic growth with social cohesion, let us pledge to work together to ensure that every member of the human family has a stake in building a common future based on values that we all share.
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