South Asian trade union youth leaders unite for safer and healthier workplaces

New Delhi (ILO News) – Young trade union leaders from across South Asia have committed to collective action on occupational safety and health (OSH), following a two-day regional conference organized by the International Labour Organization’s Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ILO-ACTRAV).

Held in New Delhi on 16–17 September, the conference, titled “Empowering South Asian Trade Union Youth Leaders for Safe and Healthy Work”, brought together 60 participants. Youth leaders from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Maldives attended in person, while their peers from Bangladesh and Pakistan joined online, underscoring a united front across borders to tackle common OSH challenges.

Building on the momentum from the 2023 Youth Camp, participants shared their progress and showcased national initiatives led by young trade unionists. Discussions surfaced key concerns such as the lack of protection for workers in the informal economy, emerging risks in platform-based jobs, and the vulnerabilities young workers face when entering the labour market.

The conference also fostered peer learning and cross-country exchange. Youth leaders discussed ways to integrate OSH more deeply into trade union agendas, use data for advocacy, and build stronger dialogue with governments and employers. Technical inputs were provided by ILO-ACTRAV experts from Bangkok, Delhi, and Geneva, alongside staff from ILO Country Offices in Bangladesh and Pakistan. The All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) was also acknowledged for its solidarity and support.

A key outcome was the formation of a Youth Working Group on OSH, a new subregional platform designed to facilitate ongoing exchange, joint initiatives, and coordinated advocacy to advanceOSH outcomes for young workers across South Asia.

“With this initiative, South Asian trade union youth leaders have sent a clear message: safe and healthy work is not a privilege, it’s a right. And they are ready to lead the charge to make it a reality for every young worker in the region,” said Maria Helena Andre, Director, ILO’s Bureau for Workers’ Activities.

“The ILO, through ACTRAV, is committed to continuing to support the Working Group with facilitation and technical expertise, helping it evolve into a strong and sustainable mechanism for collaboration,” added Andre.

For more information, please contact:

Yuki Otsuji

Senior Specialist in Workers’ Activities

ILO Decent Work Team/Country Office, New Delhi

Email: [email protected]