ITUC-Africa canvases economic justice for workers, youth development

To mark the 2024 World Day for Decent Work, the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has called for “economic decolonisation and justice, peace, democracy, decent work promotion and uphold of workers’ rights in every African country and globally.”

Representing over 18 million workers across the continent, ITUC-Africa rallied its members, communities, and civil society organizations in solidarity to push for critical reforms amid growing political instability, exploitation, and climate crises.

In its Decent Work Day message signed by its General Secretary, Comrade Akhator Joel Odigie, ITUC-Africa stressed the urgency of addressing the interconnected challenges of war, autocracy, and poverty.

“In a world still grappling with maddening and avoidable armed conflicts, political instability, state and institution capture, and growing autocracy, our call emphasises the urgency of the times,” the statement reads.

The confederation further underscored that “social justice cannot exist without peace and democracy,” a message directed to both African and global leaders.

Another significant call of the ITUC-Africa in the message is for the “economic decolonisation” of Africa. African workers, the confederation noted, are reaffirming their commitment to economic reforms that would lead to real, inclusive, and shared development. The fight for economic independence, ITUC-Africa argued, is the key to securing workers’ rights and ensuring a fair distribution of resources.

“Our decolonisation struggle will be complete once our continent successfully achieves economic decolonisation,” ITUC-Africa declared, reaffirming its resolve to continue pressing for the emancipation of African economies from neocolonial exploitation.

ITUC-Agricab also said despite facing numerous challenges, including widespread corruption, illicit financial flows, and asset stripping, African workers are refusing to give in to despair. Instead, they are “embracing hope and change” and fighting to reclaim civil and democratic spaces, which have been eroded by authoritarian regimes across the continent.

The message also calls for global and regional action, stressing the necessity of peace for achieving social justice. “Peace is a prerequisite for social justice,” the statement reads, urging African and global leaders to end conflicts and commit to dialogue and negotiation.

The ITUC-Africa’s statement also highlights the importance of creating a stable environment where economic and social reforms can take root. “Without peace and democracy, the quest for social justice, which aims to guarantee equal rights, a fair distribution of resources, and dignity for all, is compromised.”

And as part of its broader campaign, Comrade Odigie noted that ITUC-Africa is advocating for ceasefires and the halting of hostilities across conflict zones in Africa and the world. “We must silence the guns through dialogue and negotiations,” emphasising that peace and democracy are essential foundations for equitable and stable societies.

The African workers’ body went on to call on African leaders to demonstrate a strong commitment to peace and social justice. The organization also highlighted the importance of selecting leaders at the African Union who prioritize these values, advocating for a leadership team that would drive efforts towards peace, democracy, and the welfare of African workers.

In addition, ITUC-Africa strongly emphasised on youth employment and skill development as a means to combat poverty and prevent conflicts. The organization pledged to “scale up advocacy for skills development for young people to increase their employability” and called for the establishment of national minimum wages without discrimination.

It also reiterated that African workers are committed to pursuing economic decolonisation, peace, and democracy, and will not rest until these goals are realized.

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