Upholding the dignity of workers and eradicating child labour

Oluwakemi Akinleye fsp – Vatican City.

The dignity and value of work remains a gift that cannot be underestimated in any society today. Thanks to the efforts of millions of people who daily put in their energy, talents and creativity to develop various sectors of our nations. Yet the appeal of workers for better working conditions, especially in developing countries, continues to fall short of the needed response by governments and owners of industries.

Long and endless probation periods

Many workers in Africa lament the long and endless periods of probation before being fully employed by their employers. This seems to happen more often to semi-skilled and unskilled workers. Sir Steve Adeve SAN, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a Papal Knight, throws more light on this reality.

“Since many are desperate for work,” he says, “they become very vulnerable to employers who keep them under probation for more than a year.” The employer is aware that once fully employed, the worker becomes entitled to additional benefits and allowances which one cannot receive while under probation. He therefore recommends a minimum of 3 months and maximum of 9 months probation, on a signed contract.

Everyone seeking employment, whether on long or short terms, should ask and understand clearly the terms and conditions of employment before taking up the job. It is also important to put in one’s best in whatever task he or she is doing.  “Employers are encouraged to provide better working conditions and a just wage to their employees,” Sir Adehi reminds us. This also goes with ensuring the safety and health of workers in a changing climate.

Eradicating child labour

Child Labour continues to unpleasantly stare us in the face in many of our African cities. Children between the ages of six and twelve are sometimes spotted as street vendors and shop attendants, and are made to work even till late hours. According to Sir Steve Adehi, “Child Labour is one of the worst forms of child abuse in the Acts of the Rights and Protection of Children. Yet there is resistance in some people to let go of this vice in society because they claim they went through it and survived. The protection of children must not be an option but a responsibility for all.”

Increase in youth unemployment

The youth in every nation is a vital and indispensable work force. Unfortunately, there are so many unemployed youth, who after university studies, stay for years before finding gainful employment. This has also led to an increase in crime rate and making them more vulnerable to human and drug traffickers. Sir Steve Adehi advocates for more job creation on the part of government but he also reminds the youth that, “government cannot create employment for all. You must seek decent and creative ways to earn a living, for your dignity and the good of society.”

St Joseph as model and mentor of work

St Joseph continues to be for us a model and mentor on the dignity of work. He worked hard to raise his family and trained his foster son Jesus to be a good Carpenter too. Perhaps he did not earn an income on a daily basis from his carpentry work but he kept at it till everyone knew him for his unique skills in the trade.

Every work has its joys and challenges but if one remains focused, determined and committed like St Joseph, God’s blessings will abound upon such effort and dedication.