As democracies weaken amidst the rapidly evolving global and labour market landscape, young workers across the Asia Pacific region are increasingly feeling disempowered and frustrated. The erosion of democratic institutions and the diminishing role of youth in decision-making processes have further marginalised young peoples’ voices, devaluing their contributions to the society and the economy.
As opportunities for young people wane, it becomes imperative to bolster democratic systems and ensure the meaningful participation of the youth in democratic processes. The recent example of Bangladesh underscores this need vividly. Faced with widespread unemployment, poverty, and systemic failures that left their concerns unaddressed, the youth in Bangladesh were compelled to take drastic actions to demand and bring about change. This situation serves as a poignant reminder for the entire Asia-Pacific region: when the youth are silenced, the very stability of democracy is at risk.
In a world where we are witnessing a troubling trend of backsliding democracies, the lessons from Bangladesh resonate deeply. Young workers today are confronted with a multitude of challenges that diminish their future prospects. The rise of precarious employment, characterised by instability and lack of job security, has become alarmingly common. Social protection systems are often inadequate or entirely absent, exacerbating their vulnerabilities and driving them to poverty. Moreover, discrimination based on gender, race, and other factors continues to obstruct their potential and opportunities for advancement.
Across the Asia-Pacific region, young workers face significant barriers in accessing decent and climate-friendly jobs, including increasing their employability in high value-added, quality, and secure jobs. Millions are unemployed or lack adequate opportunities for training and skills development. Many are trapped in the informal economy, enduring low-wage, precarious jobs with no social protection, particularly in sectors such as retail, hospitality, and services. A huge number of young people are being absorbed by the rising platform economy, but due to its unregulated nature, they are not recognised as workers, depriving them of basic labour rights and protection.
These intertwined challenges highlight the urgent need not only for a robust and united labour movement capable of advocating effectively for the rights and well-being of young workers, but also for an effective and inclusive democratic governance that ensures that young workers are not left behind.
Young workers have consistently been at the forefront of significant struggles for democracy, labour rights, and better working conditions. From the student-led protests to the youth-driven movements advocating for fair wages and safe working conditions in various countries, young workers have shown remarkable courage and determination. Their energy and innovation have been instrumental in challenging oppressive systems, winning new rights, and improving working conditions. Within trade unions, young workers are not just participants but leaders, driving change and advancing the agenda for a New Social Contract. Their ability to mobilise, inspire, lead, and create innovative solutions is vital to the present and the future of the trade union movement.
When the youth are silenced, democracy falters. Young workers must be at the forefront of the fight for a just, inclusive, and democratic society, where their voices are not just heard but acted upon.
Young trade union representatives within the world’s largest democratic organisation are dedicated to advancing democracy at all levels and creating inclusive unions that embrace all young workers without discrimination. Their commitment extends to collaborating with progressive movements and advocating for intergenerational dialogue to rebuild trust in democratic institutions. Guided by the ITUC’s New Social Contract, which guarantees jobs, rights, wages, social protection, equality and inclusion, they are focused on ensuring a just and equitable future for young workers while upholding democratic values.
On this International Youth Day, we reaffirm our commitment to amplify the voices of young workers and to guarantee them seats at the table within the labour movement. We recognise that by organising young workers into trade unions, we can build a stronger, more inclusive labour movement that safeguards the future of democracy. A youth-inclusive trade union movement increases bargaining power and ensures that the rights and needs of young workers are prioritised. Let us commit to creating a world where every young worker is heard, respected, and empowered to shape a just and inclusive future of work.
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