Global march for decent work

Cape Town - Workers across the globe took to the streets on Wednesday to mark the World Day for Decent Work.

In South Africa, the largest union federation, Cosatu, held marches across the country to highlight a number of socioeconomic issues.

They included the jobs crisis, an end to e-tolls and labour brokers, and better public transport. The marchers were joined by taxi associations.

South Africa is facing its biggest economic crisis since the world recession in 2008, with more than 100 000 jobs expected to be lost this year.

But it is not only South Africa that is experiencing economic hardships. On Tuesday the International Monetary Fund downgraded global growth forecasts and warned of rising debt levels in emerging economies.

The International Trade Union Confederation (Ituc) said that the theme for the day was “end corporate greed” and activities would take place in at least 33 countries.

“As in the past, a wide range of different types of events are planned. Brussels, the ‘Capital of Europe’, will come to a standstill with a huge demonstration organised by the Belgian trade unions against austerity, while unions from the manufacturing sector will hold events across the globe to demand an end to precarious work, organised by Global Union Federation IndustriALL,” it said in a statement.

Another major event was in Germany where workers would put pressure on football governing body Fifa to start reforming. Fifa is under investigation for mass corruption and has also been accused by unions of exploiting workers who build and deliver the world’s major sports competitions.

“Once again the voice of working people will be heard around the globe on the World Day for Decent Work. The global focus this year is on ending corporate greed, eliminating precarious work and formalising informal jobs, as well as living minimum wages. We need to transform the exploitative supply chain model which robs workers while filling the coffers of multinational companies, many of which are culpable of the most egregious exploitation including the use of modern slavery.

“The trade union movement stands with the most exploited and vulnerable in the global economy, and on this day, the World Day for Decent Work, we will show our determination to build a better world for working families and for the generations to come,” said ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow.

Group Labour Editor