The Asian Work Challenge

In the 21st century, Asia has experienced the most rapid economic growth in the world with the figures more than doubling the global average in 1995 and labour productivity having increased by about 41 percent.

Yet, in spite of the continent's huge growth, the equation still remains incomplete. Economic development has brought with it neither an equivalent growth in the number of jobs, nor significant improvements in wages and working conditions for the 1.9 billion working population of Asia.

Today, Asia is facing a decent work challenge.

Despite progress in efforts to reduce poverty, around 1 billion people are still considered "working poor".

In 2005, some 84 per cent of workers in South Asia, 58 per cent in South-East Asia, 47 per cent in East Asia, and 36 per cent in the Arab states did not earn enough to lift themselves and their families above the $2 a day poverty line.

Asia had more than 48 per cent, or 41.6 million, of the world's young people without work. Young people were at least three times more likely than adults to be unemployed.

Some 1 million workers die annually in Asia due to work-related accidents and diseases. Besides this, underemployment, insecurity, poor working conditions, and a shortage of marketable skills remain widespread.

Over the past two decades, gross emigration of labour rose at an annual rate of 6 per cent in Asia - twice the growth rate of the labour forces of the sending countries.

A major reduction in these decent work deficits in this region would tremendously boost the quality of life and the security of many individuals, families, and communities.

But achieving this goal demands several policy changes, changes such that economic growth should lead to the creation of decent jobs and encouragement of investment and entrepreneurship, skill development, proper labour standards, and sustainable livelihoods.

Other challenges also include the promotion and realization of fundamental principles and rights at work i.e. freedom of association and the right to organize and bargain collectively, the elimination of all forms of forced and/or compulsory labour, elimination of child labour and discrimination in respect of employment and occupations, including the promotion of gender equality.

There should also be an extension and increase in effectiveness of social protection, particularly for workers in agriculture and the informal economy who are often not covered by labour legislation. Institutions and systems that strengthen labour market governance should be supported, including frameworks that encourage social dialogue and help resolve workplace disputes.

If the dramatic growth rates Asia has enjoyed are to continue in the future years in a stable social framework, the benefits need to be felt by all through improvements in their lives and livelihoods - in other words, decent work. This is another opportunity for Asia to set a global example. By promoting the fully productive employment it will not only improve the lives of the people in this region, but also exercise global policy leadership and give impetus to the realization of decent work worldwide.

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