On the occasion of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, on the 17th of October, the World Federation of Trade Unions reaffirms its commitment standing in solidarity with the working class, in the struggle against poverty.
This year’s theme, set by the United Nations, emphasizes on decent work, fair wages, and safe working conditions for all, as core sectors that can help on the eradication of poverty.
The slogans for “decent” work, “fair wages”, safe working conditions “for all”, sound nice. But they do not reflect, not even in the slightest, the current reality of the living and working conditions of the workers.
As WFTU, we recognise that since capitalist crisis is deepening even more, unemployment and inflation are mercilessly undermining the living standards of working people, democratic and trade union freedoms are being threatened, labour and social rights are under severe attack by capital and its representatives, the need for organised and militant struggle for the eradication of poverty is urgent.
Indicatively, we note that over 44 million people live under the international poverty line, more than 60% of the world’s employed population still works in the informal sector, lacking access to social protections, fair wages, and safe working conditions, and the gap between the wealthy and the impoverished countries continues to grow.
The World Federation of Trade Unions remains dedicated to the cause of the eradication of poverty. For the class-oriented International Trade Union movement, for the workers who resist, who do not compromise with oppression, discrimination and exploitation, there is only one path of dignity: the path of the organized struggle against poverty.
