Pope Francis at the ILO: The future of work and dignity of labour
In an unprecedented message to the 109th International Labor Conference (ILC), Pope Francis called on the delegates to "avoid all forms of discrimination, including consumerism or nationalism” and “respond to all workers and their families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic."
In his speech, Pope Francis called for equal protection for all, stressing the need to support the vulnerable part of the population through expanded social protection programs to ensure access to health services, food and basic human needs.
The Pope mentioned migrant workers, who were excluded from health promotion, disease prevention, treatment and care programs access, as well from financial protection schemes and psychosocial services. He stressed that the most vulnerable "cannot be left out of the dialogue that must also bring together governments, companies and workers."
"The most vulnerable population should not be adversely affected by recovery measures focused only on economic indicators. We need a reform of the economic system and a profound reform of the economy. The way the economy is managed must be different," the Pope said. "Organizing in trade unions is a right,” he stated as well.
Pope Francis also refused to accept the “logic” that “everything is fine as long as some are doing okay.” “Sacrificing those who have been left behind in the so-called 'altar of progress,’ is a truly elitist dynamic that creates new elites at the cost of discarding people,” he said.
He also referred to the role of Catholic Church and the efforts of the Vatican State to work with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to support specific actions tended to correct unjust labor relations, such as violations of workers’ fundamental rights.
In the field of labour, Pope Francis explained that workers must be empowered and provided with guarantees and support, by protecting them from the "game" of deregulation. He said that legal standards should be geared towards employment growth, decent work and people rights.
He called for a global recognition of all forms of work, going beyond what is traditionally known as "formal employment." “The lack of social protection for workers in the informal or hidden economy and their families makes them particularly vulnerable since they cannot rely on the protection offered by social security or assistance schemes aimed at combating poverty,” Pope Francis said.
The Pope also sent a message to employers and businessmen, whose vocation is to produce wealth from the services of all. He stated that business ventures" must always be aimed at the development of others and the elimination of poverty, especially through the creation of diversified job opportunities.”
Finally, Pope Francis called on trade unionists and workers' association leaders "not to be straight-jacketed,” focus on the real situations of the neighborhoods and communities in which they operate, and address the issues related to broader economic policies. “The unions must stand guard over labour’s walls, watching over and protecting all those within and outside these walls,” he said.
UOCRA General Secretary Gerardo Martínez echoed Pope Francis’ message, emphasising the need to combat the crisis from a social and human perspective.
(Photo: Vatican Media, 2021)