Accelerating social justice and improving world economy

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Introduction

No matter where you live, there are social problems that probably affect you directly or indirectly. From discrimination at the workplace and gender inequality to poverty, there is no shortage of social problems in the world. Leaders across the world are doing their best to lower the effects of social problems, but their efforts are not yet good enough. Many workers in different places struggle for decent living and unemployment continue to be a huge problem.

In a recent meeting of representatives of the G20 organized by the International Labor Organization (ILO), the issue of social justice was top of the agenda. This meeting helding last week in Brazil highlighted the size of the world's social problems and recommendations were made to address these urgent needs. In this presentation, we look at key social problems mentioned in the meeting and how these challenges are to be tackled for maximum success.

To begin, here is part of the address presented by the ILO director-general to recognize and isolate dire economic pressures created by social injustice across societies today:

In a world that is constantly grappling with new challenges and crises, it is becoming clearer every day that we need to accelerate our efforts towards making social justice a reality for all. This requires a set of well-coordinated social policies, including social protection and other policies to ensure social inclusion. source

Battling low wages amid inflation

One of the social problems identified in the meeting was the general low wages that workers in G20 economies face and the economic implications. Ever since after COVID-19, workers wages have not grown significantly. Most workers still receive the same amounts or a little higher wages after more than 3 years now. This is against the backdrop of high inflation rates across many economies.

In some places, the inflation rate of some items like food has exceeded 100%. This has adversely affected the purchasing power of the low wages earned from work. Basically, what $20 could buy two years ago is now significantly lower than what it could buy now. If a worker continues to receive the same amount as it was few years back, then they could face economic hardships as a result. Unfortunately, that is the fate of many workers in G20 countries. Thus, the issue of low wages is a big social problem identified at the meeting.

In addressing the issue of low worker wages, some recommendations where made to that effect. The following two stood out among all:

• Strengthening labour market institutions: The delegates discovered that one challenge of low wages was that the very institutions that should protect the interest of workers as a body are either not doing their job os simply weakened. Such labour institutions include trade unions and many others. These are institutions that should interface with authorities and protect the interests of workers such as in matters pertaining to wages. These institutions need a facelift.

So trade unions and similar institutions need to be strengthened. They should be independent and focus on representing the general interests of workers. Trade unions should provide a united front and campaign for improved wages. The wage bargaining power should be strong and reflect the economic realities created by high inflation in the society. Labor institutions should not be politicized or compromised to dance to the tunes of authorities. Instead, they should firmly insist on decent wages for the workers and campaign for a change to a living wage. The significant strength of workers as a group lies in the strength of organizations representing them.

• Government policies: The G20 also identified government policies as another way to improve worker wages. There need to be in place government policies that allow for critical and periodic dialogue on social issues like worker rights and rewards. The government should review worker policies especially policies that were made many years ago as these do not reflect the current economic realities on ground. There should be policies that protect workers against wages that cannot sustain the very existence of a worker.

Government policies should reflect, uphold and implement fundamental human rights at work. Those policies should give workers the right to negotiate better work terms and conditions if the current ones are not favorable. The policies should enshrine that workers have the right to aske for a pay rise after spending a considerable amount of time in the industry. It should also empower labor organizations to collectively negotiate on behalf of workers, especially workers that are vulnerable or those that may not have the resources personally to fight their course.

Discrimination at the workplace

Another huge challenge - a big social injustice identified by the G20 is labor force discrimination. Many workers in the labor market are denied opportunities to work because of their race, sex or other reasons. Women are sometimes completely prevented from looking for work in some sectors because of their gender. People with disabilities are sometimes judged deficient because of their physical infirmities. The issue of denying job opportunities to people even when they are professionally qualified is a huge social injustice.

The G20 recognized the economic and social implications of discrimination at the workplace. It leads to inequalities. There are sectors or industries that are entirely dominated by a certain gender. As a result, the other gender finds it difficult to break into such industries. Beyond having a balanced workforce at the workplace, it denies people the opportunity they deserve to work and earn a living for self and for dependants.

Another problem created by discrimination at work is that it continues to contributes to huge income gaps among workers. Even when a particular group of people are finally offered job opportunities, they might earn far less than others even when they are doing exactly the same work. The pay gap continues to widen, creating even bigger inequalities challenge among the workforce.

Below is one recommendation to solve the issue of discrimination at work

• Special policies to address employment inequalities: This is important because there should be laws to help shape the face of labor markets. There should be laws that prevent creating different work and wage requirements for people because of their gender, age, nationality or other factors. When these laws are made and implemented, it would make it difficult for people to be rejected work opportunities especially if they are professionally qualified to apply and get hired.

Finally

Social injustice remains a huge problem across the world. Whether the above solutions would reduce or eliminate the problem remains to be seen. But then, everyone should continue to work hard to see that we all love and enjoy a world that is socially just.

Reference

• **Annex 1 – G20 Policy Priorities to Reduce Inequalities in the World of Work
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