International Trade Union Confederation

The ITUC is committed to promoting an inclusive economic model responsive to the needs of working people, where economic progress is fairly shared, leading to improved working conditions and livelihoods.

The global economic system drives a race to the bottom in wages and working conditions, preventing countries from making necessary investments in quality jobs and fuelling inequalities. Low and stagnant wages, insufficient social protection and public services, and precarious working conditions exacerbate economic desperation. Over 60% of the global workforce operates in the informal economy, lacking basic rights and labour protections. High and mounting debt levels, alongside austerity measures imposed by international financial institutions, hinder countries’ ability to invest in their people. Meanwhile, global trade rules restrict policy space, intensifying downward competition.

The ITUC calls on governments to promote full employment and decent work, anchored by labour rights, living wages, and universal social protection. Governments must end harmful austerity measures and support a fairer distribution of economic progress. Greater support is essential for countries to expand their fiscal space through progressive taxation, strengthened international tax coordination, comprehensive debt relief, and a reformed international financial architecture. Stronger international regulations on global supply chains and equitable trade policies are also necessary.

Supporting decent work and formalisation: Decent employment is essential for a dignified life. The ITUC calls for pro-employment macroeconomic policies and increased public investment to create decent jobs. Governments must increase efforts to formalise the informal economy, address insecure and precarious work, and ensure the fundamental principles and rights at work, including safe and secure workplaces for all workers.

Ensuring living Wages: Every worker deserves a wage that supports a dignified life. The ITUC advocates for living wages as defined by the ILO, based on the cost of living and social dialogue. Raising minimum wages, expanding their coverage, and strengthening collective bargaining at all levels are fundamental to achieving a living wage.

Guaranteeing Social Protection: Establishing universal social protection systems is critical to addressing challenges in the world of work. These systems must be comprehensive, gender-responsive, and inclusive, particularly in meeting social needs in response to environmental challenges.

Trade Justice: The ITUC advocates for a worker-centred trade system that promotes social justice and sustainability, addressing global imbalances and preserving policy space for development. It seeks a multilateral trading system reform that prioritises decent work and integrates international labour standards.

Fair taxation and domestic financing: Governments must ensure sufficient financing for social protection and public services. Establishing fair and transparent tax systems is crucial to provide adequate fiscal space, and strengthened international tax coordination is needed to avoid a race to the bottom in tax policies.

International financing: International financial support must be available to meet countries’ development needs and address global challenges, including the climate crisis. The ITUC advocates for increased development assistance, comprehensive debt relief, and significant reforms of the International Financial Institutions to ensure greater funding and fairer lending practices.