Labour and Employment

Finding appropriate and sustainable work is an issue that almost every young person will face. How can employment opportunities for young people be secured though? How do we make sure that young people do not continue to be subject to exploitation in the workplace? How can young people make themselves heard in matters that relate to their work. What about the impact of a rapidly changing global trading system on young peoples right to secure a sustainable livelihood.

The young leaders participating in the Employment workshops will bring expertise in this complex area discussing the issues that intersect - poverty, gender equity, access to education, child labour, forced and bonded labour, indigenous/minority employment and representation - aiming to bring about lasting improvements in working conditions for young people throughout the world.

Some Words from the Action Group 

Access to appropriate employment opportunities is a critical component of our capacity as young people to create and maintain sustainable livelihoods. Unfortunately in our world today, employment opportunities and labour conditions of many young people remain precarious. There is much to be done in our efforts to build a sustainable future. There were four key threads of discussion and action planning in our action area group:

Impact of globalisation on labour and employment: Employment is a human right and people's livelihoods should not be compromised by the money-making of a select few people. We are working with garment workers in Bangladesh and rural workers in Paraguay to break the cycle of exploitation.
Labour rights: Many young people are abused and exploited by their employers. Access to fundamental services like a basic company health plan or properly regulated work hours are non-existent in many countries. It is important that young people are aware of their rights as workers. The role of trade unions is therefore central in both developed and developing nations.
Education and training: One way to assist young people to gain employment is through the establishment of apprenticeship programs. We are working in countries such as the Solomon Islands to support apprenticeship programs which provide the early foundations needed to begin a career.
Employment creation and youth job seeking: Youth employment networks are of great importance to young people in our communities. We are working to establish links between employers and employees in countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia