In conjunction with the commemoration of the Labour Day which falls on 1st of May 2019, the Secretary of State of Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE) of Timor-Leste and the ILO conducted a national workshop titled “Promoting social justice, protect and guarantee decent work for all workers in Timor-Leste” on 30 April in Delta Nova, Dili.

The main aim of the workshop was to celebrate the accomplishment and acknowledgement of the economic and social achievements of all Timorese workers in Timor-Leste, including the Timorese migrant workers.

“When harmonious development of industrial relations is in place, Timor-Leste will change significantly and will be a lot closer to realize decent work for all,” said HE. Julião da Silva, Secretary of State of SEFOPE, in his opening remarks.

The workshop attended by the trade union confederation, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Timor-Leste, governmental ministries, national parliament, civil society and religious organizations. All of the participating participants were in agreement to promote rights of workers and to provide advice to policy makers, employers’ and workers’ organizations as well as all relevant stakeholders to put decent work in the heart of developmental strategy and programme of Timor-Leste.

The workshop was also part of the 1ooth anniversary celebration of the ILO. The ILO continue its advocacies on advancing social justice and promoting decent work by putting people first, delivering quality jobs along with social protection and respecting rights at work to achieve sustainable, inclusive economic growth and eliminate poverty.