World Day for Decent Work - October 7

World Day for Decent Work - October 7

Toronto – October 2, 2015 – Every year on October 7, the World Day for Decent Work unites workers and organizations around the world in a call for equity, fairness, and opportunity that comes through decent work. Decent work can be defined as a job that provides workers the income and opportunity to maintain a good and secure life in which basic needs are met.

Throughout the 20th century, decent work was created through the collective action of the trade union movement, which provided millions of workers a collective voice to achieve decent work and a better life for themselves, their families and communities. These actions enabled many to be lifted out of poverty, and provided stable employment, income, and the opportunity to retired with dignity.

The state of decent work in Canada is in trouble because for the Harper government and other anti-work elites the definition of decent work is work that is precarious, unstable, under-paid and non-unionized. On October 19, Canadians can defeat this indecent agenda by electing a new government that believes decent work is the foundation of a fair, decent and thriving community.

The connection between decent work and a unionized workplace has meant a better life, healthier communities, and a stronger Canada. As Canada's leading and most progressive workers' organization, we join in international solidarity on the World Day of Decent Work.