Bruhaspati Samal
General Secretary
Confederation of Central Govt. Employees and Workers
Odisha State Coordination Committee, Bhubaneswar
eMail: samalbruhaspati@gmail.com
Mobile:9437022669
Eight decades back, the Philadelphia Declaration adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in its 26th Conference on May 10, 1944 which became an integral part of its revised constitution in 1946 Montreal General Conference still stands as a landmark document in the history of international labour rights and social justice. Against the backdrop of World War II, with the horrors of global conflict and the devastating impacts on workers and societies fresh in mind, the Philadelphia Declaration emerged as a visionary call for a new world order founded on principles of social justice, human dignity, and international cooperation. Emphasizing the inherent dignity of labour and the essential role of work in fostering human well-being and placing human beings at the center of economic and social development with a call for policies and practices that prioritize the welfare of workers and their families, the Philadelphia Declaration asserts, inter alia that (i) labour is not a commodity to be bought and sold but rather a means through which individuals can realize their potential and contribute to the common good of society, (ii) (ii) freedom of expression and of association are essential to sustained progress; (iii) poverty anywhere constitutes a danger to prosperity everywhere; (iv) the war against want requires to be carried on with unrelenting vigour within each nation, and by continuous and concerted international effort in which the representatives of workers and employers, enjoying equal status with those of governments, join with them in free discussion and democratic decision with a view to the promotion of the common welfare and most importantly; (v) all human beings, irrespective of race, creed or sex, have the right to pursue both their material well-being and their spiritual development in conditions of freedom and dignity, of economic security and equal opportunity.
With a profound commitment to the promotion of social justice as a fundamental precondition for lasting peace and prosperity, it recognizes that enduring peace can only be achieved through the establishment of social and economic conditions that guarantee basic human rights, fair wages, decent working conditions, and social security for all individuals. Emphasizing the inherent dignity of labour and the essential role of work in fostering human well-being and placing human beings at the center of economic and social development with a call for policies and practices that prioritize the welfare of workers and their families, the Philadelphia Declaration asserts that labour is not a commodity to be bought and sold but rather a means through which individuals can realize their potential and contribute to the common good of society. Underscoring the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges and advancing shared goals of social justice and economic progress, it emphasizes the need for solidarity among nations and peoples, recognizing that the well-being of workers is interconnected across borders and that solutions to complex social and economic problems require collective action and mutual support. In practical terms, the Philadelphia Declaration served as the foundation for the ILO's post-war agenda, leading to the adoption of the ILO Constitution and subsequent conventions and recommendations aimed at promoting labour rights, social protection, and decent work worldwide. It laid the groundwork for the establishment of international labour standards and mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing compliance, thereby providing a framework for promoting social justice and human rights on a global scale.
In the global discourse surrounding economics and commerce, the notion of labour as a mere commodity has persistently lingered. However, labour, not being solely an economic transaction but being a fundamental human expression with the manifestation of individual skills, talents, and aspirations, reducing it to a commodity overlooks the intrinsic human dignity and complexity intertwined with work. Beyond its individual dimensions as a factor of production, labour also fosters social relationships and solidarity within communities. Workplaces serve as hubs of social interaction where individuals collabourate, communicate, and forge bonds with colleagues. Through shared goals and collective endeavours, labour cultivates a sense of belonging and cohesion among workers, contributing to the fabric of social capital within societies. This interconnectedness highlights the interdependence of individuals and underscores the notion that labour transcends mere commodity exchange by fostering reciprocal relationships and collective flourishing.
Despite being adopted in 1944, it remains profoundly relevant and valid in today's world. The fundamental importance of social justice as a prerequisite for peace and prosperity remains as relevant today as it was in 1944, as societies around the world continue to grapple with issues of inequality, poverty, and discrimination. The declaration's call for the protection of basic human rights, fair wages, decent working conditions, and social security resonates strongly in today's context, where millions of people still lack access to these fundamental rights. Recognition to dignity of labour by the Declaration underscores the importance of creating decent work opportunities and protecting workers' rights in today's rapidly changing labour market. In an increasingly interconnected world, where issues such as climate change, migration, and global health crises require collective action, the Declaration's call for solidarity among nations and peoples remains as relevant as ever. In today's world, where precarious employment, informal work, and labour exploitation remain widespread, the declaration's vision of decent work serves as a guiding principle for efforts to address these challenges and promote inclusive and sustainable development.
In the context of proposed implementation of employers’ friendly four Labour Codes instead of workers’ friendly 44 Labour Acts prevalent in India, the Central Govt. should reconsider that labour is not a fungible resource to be bought and sold at will but entails the respect for individuals' autonomy, well-being, and fair treatment. While, upholding labour rights encompasses ensuring safe working conditions, fair wages, and equitable opportunities for advancement, commodifying labour can lead to the devaluation of human worth and the erosion of workers' rights. Therefore, safeguarding the dignity and rights of workers necessitates acknowledging the multifaceted nature of labour and rejecting its reduction to a mere commodity. Moving beyond narrow economic paradigms, embracing a holistic understanding of labour is imperative for building more inclusive, equitable, and humane societies.
In summary, the Philadelphia Declaration of the ILO remains valid today because it speaks to universal values of social justice, human dignity, and international cooperation that transcend time and place. Its principles provide a timeless framework for addressing contemporary challenges and advancing the well-being of workers and society as a whole.
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