The term "decent work" was formulated by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 1999, and at the 2005 UN summit, countries agreed to make employment and decent work for all a central objective of development strategies to support fair globalisation. hence, in 2015, the United Nationals came together to come up with the 17 sustainable development goals, with "decent work" part of goal 8 : to create decent work and economic growth for all.
Sustainable work means that the work has to promote the 3 different aspects on :
→ social sustainability : include promoting fair labour practices, worker rights, equal pay and no discrimination
→ economic sustainability : the work should promote economic growth to sustain the economy and do benefit for the present and future economy
→ environmental sustainability : the work should not do any harm on the environment, minimise carbon emissions, and do not waste resources (eg : overproduction)
decent work is productive work for women and men in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity.
Aspects of decent work :
→reasonable income, and to receive worker benefits like medical leave, paid leave and retirement plans
→ secure form of employment and safe working conditions : workers have the right to a safe workplace that is free from hazardous conditions that may cause injury or illnesses. When it comes to workplaces with a higher chance of workplace injury, certain safety measures should be put in place and workers should be provided with safety equipment to minimise the chances of injury
→ equal opportunities and treatment for all : workers should not be treated base on gender, race, religion, age, sexual orientation
→ free to express their concerns : workers should have the right to voice their opinions and participate in decisions that would affect their work
Decreased poverty and inequality: By offering fair salaries, social safeguards, and possibilities for growth, decent work can contribute to a reduction in poverty and inequality. In the long run, this can promote social justice by reducing income gaps and fostering a more egalitarian society.
Consumer spending growth: Workers who are well-paid and secure are more likely to spend money on products and services. As a result, decent work can result in consumer spending growth. This could increase the demand for goods and services and support economic growth.
Good work can contribute to increased social stability by giving employees a sense of security and community. As a result, there may be less social unrest and violence, which may help create a stable, predictable corporate climate that promotes economic growth.
Workers’ rights are important as they protect all workers from being mistreated or exploited by their employers. It is even more important for those vulnerable groups of workers such as minimum-wage workers, migrant workers etc. Workers’ rights ensure that all workers can work in a safe and healthy working environment, get decent pay and also are treated fairly