This 7 October, the World Day for Decent Work, trade unions across the world are demanding democracy that delivers decent work, and urgent action to stop the corporate capture of public policy.
For this day, Fiac/Ifca proposes a reflection on the theme “The New Challenges of Work Among Young People”
Today’s youth face a socio-labour context very different from that of previous generations. Entry into the workforce happens later and under increasingly precarious conditions. Common situations include the lack of formal employment contracts or exploitative working conditions, low wages that do not protect workers from poverty, and workplace safety issues. These realities prevent many young people from accessing housing, planning a personal life project, or developing their vocation, and they seriously affect their mental health.
The reality is that having a job no longer guarantees a dignified life. This situation must deeply challenge both ecclesial and social communities, as it endangers not only the present but also our shared future.
“When you don’t know whether you’ll be able to feed your children tomorrow, or whether what you’re studying will lead to a decent job, it’s easy to fall into discouragement. Where can hope be found?” ( Spes non confundit, 2024)
Pope Leo XIV began his pontificate by emphasizing several key issues: peace, unity… and work.
“As I felt called to continue this journey, I chose the name Leo XIV. There are several reasons for this, but the main one is that Pope Leo XIII, through the historic encyclical Rerum Novarum, addressed the social question in the context of the first great industrial revolution. Today, the Church offers to all the treasure of her social doctrine to respond to a new industrial revolution and the rise of Artificial Intelligence, which present new challenges in the defense of human dignity, justice, and work.” (Leo XIV, May 10, audience with the Cardinals).
FIAC/IFCA will gather reflections on this topic from every continent.
The results of this work will be presented next May.
