The Significance of International Workers Day
The 1 May is marked annually as International Workers Day, also known as Labour Day. It is a day in which workers are celebrated for their presence, contribution, and achievements in society.
Oluwakemi Akinleye fsp – Vatican City.
The dignity and value of work remains a gift that cannot be underestimated in any society today. Thanks to the efforts of millions of people who daily put in their energy, talents, and creativity to develop various sectors of our nations. Yet the appeal of workers for better working conditions, especially in developing countries, continues to fall short of the needed response by governments and owners of industries.
Long and Endless Probation Periods
Many workers in Africa lament the long and endless periods of probation before being fully employed by their employers. This seems to happen more often to semi-skilled and unskilled workers. Sir Steve Adeve SAN, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a Papal Knight, throws more light on this reality.
“Since many are desperate for work,” he says, “they become very vulnerable to employers who keep them under probation for more than a year.” The employer is aware that once fully employed, the worker becomes entitled to additional benefits and allowances which one cannot receive while under probation. He, therefore, recommends a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 9 months probation, on a signed contract.
Everyone seeking employment, whether on long or short terms, should ask and understand clearly the terms and conditions of employment before taking up the job. It is also important to put in one’s best in whatever task he or she is doing. “Employers are encouraged to provide better working conditions and a just wage to their employees,” Sir Adehi reminds us. This also goes with ensuring the safety and health of workers in a changing climate.
Eradicating Child Labour
Child Labour continues to unpleasantly stare us in the face in many of our African cities. Children between the ages of six and twelve are sometimes spotted as street vendors and shop attendants and are made to work even till late hours. According to Sir Steve Adehi, “Child Labour is one of the worst forms of child abuse in the Acts of the Rights and Protection of Children. Yet there is resistance in some people to let go of this vice in society because they claim they went through it and survived. The protection of children must not be an option but a responsibility for all.”
Increase in Youth Unemployment
The youth in every nation is a vital and indispensable workforce. Unfortunately, there are so many unemployed youth who, after university studies, stay for years before finding gainful employment. This has also led to an increase in the crime rate and making them more vulnerable to human and drug traffickers. Sir Steve Adehi advocates for more job creation on the part of the government, but he also reminds the youth that, “government cannot create employment for all. You must seek decent and creative ways to earn a living, for your dignity and the good of society.”
St Joseph as Model and Mentor of Work
St Joseph continues to be for us a model and mentor on the dignity of work. He worked hard to raise his family and trained his foster son Jesus to be a good Carpenter too. Perhaps he did not earn an income on a daily basis from his carpentry work, but he kept at it till everyone knew him for his unique skills in the trade.
Every work has its joys and challenges, but if one remains focused, determined, and committed like St Joseph, God’s blessings will abound upon such effort and dedication.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value | – Length of probation periods for workers – Number of child laborers – Youth unemployment rate |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship | – Number of youth with relevant skills for employment |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The article addresses issues related to working conditions, including long probation periods for workers, child labor, and youth unemployment. These issues are directly connected to SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
SDG 4: Quality Education
The article also indirectly addresses SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. The mention of youth unemployment highlights the need for relevant skills and education for employment.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
The article highlights the issue of long probation periods for workers, which can be seen as a barrier to achieving full and productive employment. It also mentions the need for better working conditions and a just wage, which aligns with the target of decent work for all.
Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship
The article indirectly addresses the need for relevant skills for employment, particularly for youth. It emphasizes the importance of seeking decent and creative ways to earn a living, highlighting the need for skills development and entrepreneurship.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions or implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Length of probation periods for workers: The article discusses the issue of workers being kept under probation for extended periods, suggesting that reducing the length of probation can be an indicator of progress towards achieving full and productive employment (Target 8.5).
– Number of child laborers: The article highlights the presence of child labor in African cities, indicating that monitoring and reducing the number of child laborers can be an indicator of progress towards eradicating child labor (Target 8.5).
– Youth unemployment rate: The article mentions the increase in youth unemployment and emphasizes the need for job creation and relevant skills. Monitoring and reducing the youth unemployment rate can be an indicator of progress towards achieving full and productive employment and decent jobs for young people (Target 8.5 and Target 4.4).
– Number of youth with relevant skills for employment: The article suggests that youth need to seek decent and creative ways to earn a living, indicating the importance of relevant skills. Increasing the number of youth with relevant skills can be an indicator of progress towards providing technical and vocational skills for employment (Target 4.4).
Overall, these indicators can help measure progress towards the targets of SDG 8 and SDG 4 mentioned in the article.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value | – Length of probation periods for workers – Number of child laborers – Youth unemployment rate |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship | – Number of youth with relevant skills for employment |
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Fuente: vaticannews.va
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