UASA Media Release: 06 October 2026
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
As the world commemorates World Day for Decent Work tomorrow, UASA joins the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) in calling for young workers to be placed at the centre of the fight for decent employment, fair wages, secure jobs and the protection of workplace rights.
Observed this year under the theme “Young Workers Organising for the Future”, World Day for Decent Work shines a spotlight on the challenges facing millions of young people worldwide. High unemployment levels, stagnant wages and the rising cost of living continue to place immense pressure on young workers and job seekers, making the pursuit of decent work increasingly difficult.
UASA maintains that decent work is about far more than simply having a job. It encompasses fair remuneration, job security, safe working conditions, opportunities for skills development and the protection of workers’ rights. Unfortunately, for many young workers, this vision remains out of reach.
As workplaces undergo rapid transformation driven by technological advances, artificial intelligence and the transition towards a greener economy, the focus should not only be on whether new jobs will be created, but also on whether those jobs will provide decent and sustainable livelihoods.
Recent youth engagements hosted by IndustriALL Global Union in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, highlighted the critical role organised labour must play in shaping the future of work. Young trade unionists from across Sub-Saharan Africa participated in important discussions on decent work, employment opportunities, occupational health and safety, skills development, workplace rights, technological transformation and meaningful youth participation in a Just Transition.
A key outcome of these discussions was the recognition that apprenticeships, internships and training programmes must serve as genuine pathways to secure employment. These opportunities should equip young people with meaningful experience and marketable skills, rather than being used as sources of cheap or temporary labour.
UASA believes that the success of youth employment initiatives should ultimately be measured by the number of young people who transition into secure, sustainable and decent employment. Occupational health and safety must also remain a cornerstone of the decent work agenda, ensuring that young workers enter workplaces that value and protect their wellbeing.
In support of the ITUC’s call, UASA advocates for policies and workplace practices that place young workers at the centre of efforts to achieve decent jobs, living wages, secure employment and respect for workers’ rights.
“As we commemorate World Day for Decent Work, we call on employers, government, organised labour and all stakeholders to recognise that there can be no meaningful conversation about the future of work without giving young workers a meaningful seat at the table,” said UASA.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.