Young Workers
The future of the trade union movement
Young women and men are the future of the trade union movement and the world at large. However, they are also the most severely affected by unemployment and precarious employment, inadequate education and training, and exploitation and discrimination at work. The best way to tackle these problems is by joining a union.
Dealing with young peoples’ concerns and expectations and achieving their full integration in trade unions is crucial to the strengthening, revitalisation, creativity and future of the trade union movement.
That is why the ITUC is committed to:
• Campaigning for decent work and influencing the policies of important international organizations such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organisation.
• Promoting action for organisation and representation of young men and women in trade unions, so that their voice is heard at all levels within unions and their rights are protected at work.
• Improving transition from school to work, reach out people in schools and in their first experience in employment to shorten the time they might find themselves unemployed and to increase their participation in trade unions.
• Ensuring universal access to quality education and training.
The ITUC helps young people around the world to exchange ideas and experiences, and to get together.
The ITUC Youth Committee develops policies and actions for young people. It meets once per year and makes recommendations to the ITUC General Council, which includes 2 representatives of the Youth Committee, and Executive Bureau, which includes 1 representative of the Youth Committee.
Our Youth Secretariat is part of the ITUC Campaigns and Communications Department. The ITUC Youth Officer works with all the different parts of the ITUC to make sure young people can get involved in global campaigns, activities and policies.
To keep you informed about trade union youth policies and actions, young workers’ rights and decent work for young people, you can subscribe to the ITUC Youth mailing list.
For more information, you can contact Philippe Gousenbourger, the ITUC Youth Officer.
For more background information about the ITUC, click here.