On the World Day for Decent Work 2025, we join the global labour movement in acknowledging some big gains and some big setbacks for workers.
The International Trade Union Confederation’s Global Rights Index reports that worker rights and union rights are in crisis, especially in Europe and the Americas. We’ve seen some shocking anti-democratic moves this year in Europe and the USA, and we must be vigilant in Canada for the anti-democratic tide encroaching here too.
Attacks on democratic institutions and the international rules-based order have negative outcomes for workers and unions, whether it’s in the right-to-work states of the southern USA or in places around the world where labour activists are frequently detained as an intimidation tactic.
The right to strike was violated in 87% of countries indexed in 2024, including here in Canada — as rail, port (longshore) and postal workers well know — and are still dealing with the effects.
Through PSAC UCTE is affiliated with Public Services International, which this May Day launched an international fightback campaign to protect public services and democratic institutions.
The International Trade Union Confederation has issued a report that connects the dots between the interests of the ultra-rich, threats to democracy, military threats, oppressive labour law reform, and international peace and global tax reform.
There’s no separating the fight for decent work from struggle for peace, for democracy, for good public services, for fairer tax policy, and so many other things.
All these projects are part of one larger progressive project. If it sounds intimidating in its scope, remember that millions and millions of activists are part of progressive efforts. The good news is that whatever of the above issues you work on, your work is contributing to a better future for the working people worldwide.
