Rights at work

Rights at work are a fundamental aspect of the decent work concept, ensuring that workers enjoy fair, safe, and respectful working conditions. These rights are essential for creating an equitable work environment and contributing to a worker’s overall well-being and productivity. Its foundations go back to the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, adopted in 1998 and amended in 2022. The declaration reflects the commitment of governments, employers, and workers' organizations to uphold essential human values crucial to social and economic life. 

• Fair and Living Wage: workers are entitled to a wage that not only meets the minimum wage standards but also allows them to support themselves and their families. A fair wage reflects the cost of living and promotes economic stability, enabling workers to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
• Safe and Healthy Working Conditions: workers have the right to work in environments that are free from hazards and risks. Safe and healthy working conditions are essential to prevent workplace accidents and illnesses, ensuring workers’ well-being and productivity.
• Freedom to form or join a trade union: workers have the right to organise, join unions, and participate in collective bargaining. This right empowers workers to negotiate better working conditions, wages, and benefits through collective action.
• Protection from discrimination and harassment: workers must be protected from discrimination and harassment based on race, gender, religion, or other personal characteristics. An inclusive and respectful work environment is crucial for fair treatment and equal opportunities.
• Elimination of forced and child labour.  
• In low-income or fragile contexts, rights at work are often ill-defined or poorly enforced. Workers and employers may lack a clear understanding of applicable rights and regulations. This lack of clarity and enforcement can undermine efforts to improve working conditions and economic stability.
• Effective enforcement of labour laws and social security systems is closely related to the realisation of rights at work. An adequate labour inspection system plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with labour standards, improving working conditions, and enhancing workplace safety.  

• Awareness raising: Educating and sensitising the community about labour rights and decent work principles is essential for fostering a culture of respect and compliance.
• Capacity development: Building the capacity of employers, government and social partners to design and implement policies aligned with international labour standards.
• Strengthening labour inspection and social security: Enhancing the administration and resources of labour inspection bodies and social security systems ensures effective enforcement of labour rights.
• Evidence-based policy making: Supporting governments in creating and implementing evidence-based policies on labour market systems and labour rights promotes informed decision-making and effective interventions.
• Monitoring and evaluation: Strengthening the capacity to monitor labour conditions and evaluate the impact of interventions helps address issues and improve labour rights enforcement.