The development objective of decent work

What is the "development objective" of decent work?

The development objective of decent work has to be of relevance to all those who work in society. Since societies are diverse and enjoy different levels of economic wealth, the agenda also has to be flexible. It must be flexible in such a way that it covers goals for all groups of workers in every society. Therefore the strategic objectives of decent at a general level can only be expressed as broad dimensions. The four dimensions of decent work are:

employment
security at work
rights at work
representation

Together they constitute its development objective. In any particular country the forms these dimensions take are different. These specific forms constitute immediate targets and goals that a society strives for. Their mix and weight in any concrete social policy agenda ought to be expressed through participation from members of society.

Read the whole chapter on this subject
in Employment Paper 2001/19

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Updated by ad. Approved by gt. Last update: 30 October 2001