Approximately 60% of the continent’s population which covers the youth bulge faces a critical employment situation today. The future seems bleak for many who have no hope of finding a decent job. Often times, the few who are privileged to find employment work under critical conditions including unpaid wages, hazardous conditions, no contracts, in sum, work with no guaranteed social protection.

As we celebrate the fifth World Day for Decent Work this 7th October 2012, ITUC-Africa commends all persons who have remained steadfast in their search for decent work and decent life as a whole. We urge all stakeholders to prioritize job creation with specific emphasis on employment for youth as this is fundamental to the development of Africa.

We demand decent work for all while insisting on full respect of human and labour rights ensuring that workers can partake in dignified and productive work, with guaranteed incomes and in safe conditions and most of all, benefit from social protection to improve their prospects for personal development and social integration.

ITUC-Africa congratulates the many who have mobilized around their countries to commemorate this year’s WDDW.

We join the ITUC to promote the slogan ’For Brighter Working Days’ and hope that every person will have the opportunity for a decent job.

Kwasi Adu-Amankwah

General Secretary