Young workers across theworld are becoming more united in their struggles for just work, says the
International Young Christian Workers (IYCW) president, Geethani Peries.
‘Young people are making a difference because
they are one in their vision of just work for all,’ asserts Ms Peries. The IYCW
campaign for Social Protection for all is continuing to attract
support right across the world, in both rich and poor communities, in many
diverse religious and human rights groups, and among people of goodwill
everywhere.
‘We must build this spirit of solidarity if we
are to change the conditions of young workers such as Isabel Alvarez Rivas and
the young isolated laborers in the Philippines,’ says Ms Peries. Their
stories can touch us all.
‘I am a 19-year old girl, and my name is Isabel
Álvarez Rivas. I started working when I was 10. I came to Caaguazú in the city
of Capiata and
I have been working hard in people’s houses. Now I am feeling really depressed
because when I look at my job as a domestic worker, I don’t see anything wrong
in what I do. But my bosses keep asking me to do the chores more quickly, and
to make a greater effort, because they say I don’t produce as much as they
expect me to. They ask me to get up at 5 a.m. to save time and do more work.
But there isn’t any chance that they will give me a pay raise.’ Isabel
Álvarez Rivas, domestic worker, Paraguay.
YCW India is
committed to Gender equality and empowerment of young women and men……
National
level 2 days formation
YCW
India celebrated the International Women Day on 6th and 7th
March at Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India.
We organised two activities. The first activity was 2 days national level
training session on 6th and 7th March. It was organised
at the Pastoral Centre at Thanjavur. The topics of the training were “women’s
Rights and strengthening the second line leaders”. 37 YCW members from 9
district movements participated in the program. 11 participants were young
women.
Develop Committed Leaders to strengthen the movement
The 25th National Council and the 75th anniversary of YCW India were held from 20th to 25th September 2009 at Stella Marys Centre, Kanyakumari. 33 delegates from 10 district movements from Tamil Nadu and Maharastra participated in the council. Mardiyono (Asia Pacific team member) represented the IYCW in the council. 2 representatives from the Labour commission of the Catholic Bishops conference participated as observers.
75th Anniversary of YCW India YCW India celebrated its 75th Anniversary on 20th Sept during the opening celebration of the 25th National council. 80 young workers participated in the celebration. The theme of the celebration was “75 years of action for the betterment of young workers”. Ruben, the former national secretary and the convenor of the Cardijn Community International was the chief guest. He explained the history of the actions of YCW India and the influence of the movement in the life of young workers. His presence and speech motivated the young workers. A souvenir was released to mark the 75th year celebration. The district movements presented cultural activities and participants were delighted.
YCW India has been developing its actions related to Social Protection in partner ship with World Solidarity Movement (WSM). The focus of our actions has been securing labour Rights (wage increase, right to organise and collective bargaining, regularising the working conditions as
per the national labour laws and international conventions), Social Protection (security during illness, injury and life threatening events, marriage, maternity and educational benefit, Health insurance schemes, Equal treatment of men and women in wage, access to social protection, employment advancement, training and access to resources) and Job creation (skill training for the unemployed, demands to create job and lobby to have job as fundamental right). These are the priority actions in 2008 – 2010 plan that we have in partnership with WSM.
The evaluation of the current plan was held with WSM in Thailand from 4th to 8th October 2009. Felix and Tamil Kavi from YCW India participated in that meeting. During the evaluation, we identified the development, strengths, results and the challenges of the current plan. Based on the evaluation, YCW India decided to continue the focus actions (Securing Labour Rights, Striving for Social Protection and job creation) in the 2011 to 2013 plan as well.
Therefore, YCW India will be preparing the next plan (2011 – 2013) with WSM. The meeting will be held in Trivandrum from 7th to 9th December. YCW India will be represented by Rajesh (national President), Ravi (National Secretary), Tamil Kavi (National Treasurer) and Felix (coordinator of the Plan). Augustine will support as translator. WSM will be represented by Jef (Coordinator WSM South department) and Tarique (WSM South Asian Coordinator)
Members of YCW India have analyzed their situation and that of the society since 1997. They could identify that the living and working condition of the workers in the informal economy is at risk. Various study sessions with the young workers helped to deepen the understanding of its causes and the impact it has on the workers.
India YCW organizes the young workers (men and women) in construction, agriculture, tailoring and making beedi (Indian Cigar) into groups. These workers receive awareness education on their situation at work, life and on their rights. YCW India helps them to form their own associations to join the trade unions. Through these programs they analyze their own problems and act on it.
Presentation 
Ruben, the former national secretary and the convenor of the Cardijn Community International was the chief guest. He explained the history of the actions of YCW India and the influence of the movement in the life of young workers. His presence and speech motivated the young workers. A souvenir was released to mark the 75th year celebration. The district movements presented cultural activities and participants were delighted.