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200 trade unionists gathered in Panama City for a half-day seminar on the campaign for decent work as a human right.

The seminar was organised by UNI-Americas, global union the ITUC and Panamanian trade unions to mark global decent work day (JMTD: Jornado Mundial por el Trabajo Decente).

Many of those attending were young workers, who too often face insecure job opportunities without union rights.

“Decent work for a decent life,” was the youth slogan for the event.



“One of the focuses for UNI-Americas is tackling sub-contracted work, which too often means no unions, no social security and no rights,” said Rodolfo Benitez, UNI-Americas Secretary. “The alternative is respect for global labour standards - the right of workers to join unions and to bargain collectively to improve their lives.”

“The decent work programme is a tripartite accord that brings together trade unions, employers and governments,” said Juan Manual Sepulveda, of the International Labour Organisation.

“Decent work means union rights and solidarity - and the struggle against poverty,” said Victor Torres, of trade union centre Convergencia Sindical.

“Decent work allows people to live with dignity,” said Mariano Mena, of trade union centre CGTP.

“What we need is a real social dialogue in the Americas to support a decent work agenda that means social protection and trade union rights,” said Guillermo Puga of trade union centre CTRP.

Top table	Rodolfo Benitez
Juan Manuel Sepulveda, ILO	Victor Torres
Guillermo Puga, CTRP	Mariano Mena, CGTP