IFJ Outlines Policies to Get World Back to Work at UN Commission for Social Development

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) HAS called on the UN Commission for Social Development to promote policies which support work opportunities and  workers' rights. The call was made at the 52th Session of the Commission for Social Development which met from 11-20 February in New York to discuss "the promotion of people's empowerment in achieving poverty eradication, social integration and full employment and decent work for all."

In a statement, the IFJ supported the Session's objectives, saying they foster a cohesive society where employment opportunities can help reduce the social divide and give everyone a stake in the future of their communities and countries. The Federation denounced austerity measures which have been introduced in many countries in the wake of the financial crisis with devastating effect on individuals' living standards and the quality of public services rendered to citizens

It cited the massive layoffs and cuts in funding in the media industry during a crisis brought about mainly by the business model which puts profits above the quality of the information.

The IFJ urged the Commission to press for a clear commitment by governments to the rule of law, the protection of human rights, including the workers' right to organise and bargain collectively, as well as the delivery of quality public services.

The statement added that workers need strong and independent unions to advocate for the adequate remuneration, adding that governments and other employers must accept to negotiate with them.

The IFJ also support the campaign of New York-based civil society organisations which have ECOSOC status within the UN  system for the Social Protection Floor. They launched a petition which can signed here:

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/signature-campaign-social-protection-floor.htmlFor more information, please contact IFJ on +32 2 235 22 17
The IFJ represents more than 600 000 journalists in 134 countries