The ITUC has revealed that 664 million workers worldwide earn wages too low to escape poverty, urging governments to implement living wages.
The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has reported that 664 million workers globally, or one in five workers, earn wages too low to rise above poverty. This alarming figure has prompted the ITUC to call on governments and employers to engage in meaningful social dialogue and establish living wages through enhanced minimum wage systems and collective bargaining.
In a statement, the ITUC expressed support for a new initiative by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), aimed at addressing the global poverty wage crisis. The ILO’s program, which will provide technical support to governments, focuses on implementing living wages based on tripartite principles.
“This initiative builds upon a landmark agreement reached in February 2024, in which ILO constituents adopted a shared understanding of the living wage concept,” said ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle. He emphasized the need for fair wages, asserting, “It’s time for every worker to earn enough to live a decent life.”
Additionally, the ITUC has launched a campaign advocating for platform workers’ rights, calling for equal protections and fair wages for all workers in the sector. The issue will take center stage at the upcoming International Labour Conference in June.