The 10th International Council of the International Coordination of Young Christian Workers (ICYCW) was held from the 18th July until 23rd July 2021 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Due to the ongoing risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, delegates from YCW movements around the world gathered virtually under the theme “In search of a better life”.
Over all 30 National Movements where represented and these include: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo Kinshasa, Congo Brazaville, Ivory Coast, England & Wales, Spain, Ethiopia, France, Guinee Conakry, Mauritius, Rodrigues, India, Italy, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Malta, Nigeria, Paraguay, Philippines, Dominican Republic, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Chad, Uganda and Cambodia.
See
During the congress, the young delegates were able to share their experiences of working life, including what motivates them and what makes them happy. They shared their concerns regarding the future of work. Several concerns were raised about the following issues:
· The instability associated with the migration of young workers.
· The exploitation of young workers, particularly those in part-time employment.
· The threat of unemployment and financial instability brought about due to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for young women and migrant workers.
· The struggle for migrant workers to access necessities such as food, water and shelter.
· An increase in work-based and education inequality and instances of violence against young women.
· A decrease in trade union membership amongst young workers, leaving them without the necessary support and protection in their places of work.
Delegates from national YCW movements had the opportunity to exchange with one another to learn about the reality of the YCW in different parts of the world. This activity led to the realisation of THE commonality of Issues faced by young workers across the globe.
Judge
In the meeting the delegates reflected on the inherent dignity of work. Work is much more than a source of financial income; it is an integral part of human identity. It is for this reason that the ICYCW continues its commitment to promote decent employment for all. The Church reaffirms the dignity of the worker in its social teaching. St Pope John Paul II wrote of work as the means by which people can achieve fulfilment and become “more a human being”. Cardinal Joseph Cardijn once said, “Each young worker is worth more than all the gold in the world because they are the sons and daughters of God.”
Act
The ICYCW therefore continues its call to employers and governments across the world to ensure that all young workers receive the following basic rights:
· To be treated with dignity and respect.
· To be sufficiently paid for the work that they do.
· To be provided with adequate training.
· To have a sufficient work/life balance.
· To be given the freedom for assembly in trade unions.
Inspired by this gathering, the movements of the ICYCW commit themselves to:
· Increase the support and provision for young migrant workers.
· Encourage young workers to engage in entrepreneurial activities, to support governments and stakeholders in creating more job opportunities.
· Support the promotion of decent work and a ‘living wage’ for all young workers.
· Support young workers in recognising their rights and encouraging them to join trade unions.
· Encourage international solidarity by utilising technology to connect with other young workers from around the world.
Conclusion
In his recent encyclical letter to young people, Christus Vivit, Pope Francis said, “Do not wait until tomorrow to contribute your energy, your audacity and your creativity to changing our world. You are the NOW of God, and he wants you to bear fruit!”. Inspired by the expressions of faith and solidarity shared in the 10th International Council, the ICYCW looks to the future with hope. In his address to the delegates of the Council, Pope Francis prayed that the delegates would go out to inspire other young people to commit to charitable service of their brothers and sisters. The ICYCW commits itself to respond to this invitation across the world.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed towards the success of the 10th International Council of ICYCW.
