This is an archive of news stories and research from the National Union of Public and General Employees. Please see our new site - https://nupge.ca - for the most current information.
International body urges trade unions worldwide to stage activities marking the occasion.
Ottawa (20 Aug. 2009) - The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has declared October 7 as World Day for Decent Work (WDDW) and is encouraging trade unions around the globe to plan activities.
Decent Work is a concept adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) embracing the notions of rights at work, adequate employment and incomes, social protection and healthy work, as well as the need for social dialogue and tripartism involving labour, employers and government.
Last year, several hundred thousand people took part in more than 600 events in 130 countries around the world and the ITUC executive bureau has now called upon all trade unions to organize some activity in their own country for this year on Oct. 7.
With the global economic crisis causing huge job losses and cuts in incomes across the world, the ITUC is urging trade unions to focus this year "on the need to end the crisis and build a new global economy which works for people."
"Decent work for all is at the heart of these demands," the ITUC says.
The new website for World Day for Decent Work has now been launched. Visit the site and enter information on what your organization is planning to do. Go to the section "Report your actions" and put the information directly onto the page. No password or log-in is needed. Information can also be forwarded by e-mail to: kristin.blom@ituc-csi.org.
The website contains documents on the economic crisis and other materials for the occasion, as well as logos and illustrations.
A more extensive campaigning guide will be available soon, containing suggestions and ideas regarding media and communications and more specifically on campaigning. It also includes examples of activities carried out by affiliates in connection to last year’s WDDW.
One of the most successful aspects of 2008 was the way many organizations used the WDDW website to post photographs, videos, reports and other materials on Oct. 7.
"This allowed people everywhere to follow the World Day as the activities took place across the different time zones," the ITUC says. "We wish once again to strongly encourage you to use the web site to report on the World Day itself, as well as keeping others informed of your preparations."
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
More information: