Work provides income and can offer purpose and connection. Labour rights address how people are treated at work, including safety, fair pay, freedom from discrimination and the ability to organize with other workers. The International Labour Organization develops international standards and promotes decent work.
Why it matters
Having a job does not always mean having secure or safe working conditions. Workers may face unpaid wages, excessive hours or pressure to accept dangerous tasks. People with limited job options can find it harder to speak up. Protecting rights requires laws, enforcement and ways for workers to raise concerns without fear.
Take action
Learn about the rights that apply where you work or live. Ask how products used by your school are made and how suppliers treat workers. Explore the connections with child labour and forced labour, and listen to workers’ own priorities before planning a campaign.
It was the labor movement that helped secure so much of what we take for granted today.