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Defining decent work: Meeting the global challenge

Thanks to the rich input from the 410 speakers in the Plenary Sessions of the ILC, difficulties in finding the right definition of decent work appear to have been overcome.

The following 80 or so definitions, drawn from the Provisional Record, fall into four broad categories: conceptual (a vision thing); target-oriented (an intention thing); policy-oriented (a strategy thing); and directional (an indicator thing). Use the one that is right for you.

Decent work is:

Conceptual

Target-oriented

Policy-oriented

Directional

a philosophy

a goal

a relevant policy agenda

a message

all very well

more than a goal

a strategy

a paradigm

a means for existence

a development goal

a package

a framework

very elusive

a goal that connects with people’s aspirations

a global policy of social development

an agenda

a subjective idea

a universal goal

a platform for external dialogue and partnership

a flag

a subjective topic

the ultimate universal goal

an overarching theme of the ILO’s policy

a method of organizing

a pipedream for millions

a challenge

our life

the best possible path for development

affordable

a global challenge

the centre of our legislative agenda

an important yardstick

a right

a priority

an essential component of the mandate of the ILO

a model for the creation and implementation of national, social and development policies

a human right

an ambitious aim

crucial to individual choice

a defining feature of human existence

a legitimate right of every citizen

worthwhile

a key management tool

the means of sustaining life and of meeting basic needs

a qualitative notion

about improvements in the quality of people’s lives

a reality for the precious few

the antithesis of a static form unionism and apathetic workers

a dynamic notion

a way of expressing the goals of development in human terms

an integrated policy framework

a means to retirement at an appropriate age

in danger of becoming just another philosophical mantra

a Utopia for the large majority of workers

a weapon in the fight against poverty

the natural expression of human solidarity

far from clear

a universal aspiration

dignified work

the most efficient means for individual, family and social development and progress

about the quality of people’s lives

 

central to well-being and respect for human dignity

an excellent bridge for the ILO to cross over in the twenty-first century

a concept

 

in the interests of states

an attractive slogan

a highly operational concept

 

sustainable employment

a yardstick

probably the most important concept to have emerged in recent times

 

an asset

a crucial factor in securing harmonious and sustainable development

a concept of ideal work conditions

 

productive work

 

a dynamic concept

     

an idealistic and seductive concept

     

a multi-faceted concept

     

an inspired concept and vision

   

 

a subjective concept

     

a development concept

   

 

an umbrella term

     

a dream to many

     

lacking

     
       

Enness Jaye 06/01
ILO Staff Union Bulletin, p. 7. Nr. 314, October 2001

 

 

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For more information, write to:
Fred Fluitman, Manager, Employment and Skills Development Programme, ITCILO, Turin
Philippe Egger, ILO, Geneva

Last update: 23-Oct-2002