World Day for Decent Work 2024: Leaders call for Peace and Democracy
Today, 7 October 2024, is the World Day for Decent Work (WDDW), which has the theme “Peace and Democracy.”
This motto emphasizes leaders’ critical role in creating sustainable, fair, and inclusive workplaces.
Leaders, Managers, and organisations are called to acknowledge their influence in fostering work environments and prioritize human rights, safety, and the well-being of employees, particularly in regions affected by conflict and political instability.
More precisely, the International Labour Organization (ILO) identifies “decent work” as a fundamental right encompassing fair wages, safe conditions, and protection from exploitation.
Goal 8 of the UN 2030 Agenda calls for promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work. Key aspects of decent work are widely embedded in the targets of many of the other 16 goals of the UN’s development vision.
Leaders’ statements and action plans of the G20, G7, EU, African Union and other multilateral and regional bodies also confirm the significance of decent work to crisis recovery and sustainable development.
However, conflicts in places like Myanmar, Gaza and Ukraine highlight the challenges faced by workers amid violence and authoritarianism.
Leaders within these regions can advocate for peaceful resolutions and ensure workers’ rights in the face of adversity.
This year’s WDDW reminds managers of the power of diplomacy and ethical leadership in the workplace.
In a context of conflict, effective leadership means proactively engaging in social dialogue
Luc Triangle
General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)
Leaders’ international voice
In the International Labour Organisation (ILO), CEC European Managers plays an interesting role in advocating for managers and leaders role to uphold democratic values and advance global peace.
CEC European Managers sits on ILO thanks to its international branch, the CIC International Organisation of Managers, created in 1951. CIC underscores the commitment of managerial bodies to these pressing global issues.
In that sense, Luc Triangle, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), emphasizes the importance of involving workers in peacebuilding processes to foster lasting stability.
“Effective leadership in this context means proactively engaging in social dialogue, advocating for workers’ rights, and participating in efforts to rebuild communities in post-conflict settings.”
Following this path, last 8 June 2023, CEC European Managers‘ president made a speech at the ILO 11th Conference. He said, “Managers are part of the solution,” as he advocated for their role in fostering democracy in a society “where the way work is organised takes care of employees, where the managerial function is valued, where those who make an effort to acquire expertise and skills and take up challenges are rewarded.”
Maxime Legrand, President of CEC European Managers, at the 111th ILO Conference
Managers and leaders can shape this society by promoting innovative ways to tackle sustainable leadership and fostering competitiveness.
To sum up, this World Day for Decent Work 2024 reminds leaders and managers worldwide that they have the power to influence policies and environments that respect workers and champion broader social issues, ultimately contributing to a more just, peaceful, and democratic world.
