A call to address modern labour exploitation
Forced labour imposes significant economic and social burdens on society as a whole. It not only deprives individuals of their freedom and dignity but also perpetuates cycles of poverty, undermines economic development, and erodes social cohesion. ”
Labour Day, celebrated on the first Monday in September in the United States and Canada, is a day deeply rooted in the history of workers’ rights. Originating in the late 19th century, it commemorates the achievements of the labour movement in securing better working conditions, fair wages, and reasonable hours. This day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by workers who fought tirelessly against exploitation, often at great personal risk. However, as we honour this legacy, it is imperative to recognize that the battle for workers’ rights is far from over. Modern-day labour exploitation continues to pose significant challenges, both economically and socially.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that 27.6 million people are currently trapped in forced labour worldwide, a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for basic human rights. This form of exploitation is not confined to any single region or industry; it is a pervasive issue that affects people globally. The ILO’s 2024 report, “Profits and Poverty: The Economics of Forced Labour,” highlights the staggering economic implications of this injustice. According to the report, forced labor generates approximately US$ 236 billion in illegal profits annually. These profits are often extracted from the most vulnerable populations, exacerbating poverty and inequality.
Forced labour imposes significant economic and social burdens on society as a whole. It not only deprives individuals of their freedom and dignity but also perpetuates cycles of poverty, undermines economic development, and erodes social cohesion. The illegal profits generated from forced labour are not reinvested in communities or used to improve living standards. Instead, they fuel criminal enterprises and corrupt systems that further entrench exploitation and inequality.
As we reflect on the historical significance of Labour Day, it is crucial to recognize the connections between past and present struggles. The labour movement of the 19th and 20th centuries was driven by the demand for dignity and fairness in the workplace. Today, the fight against forced labour is a continuation of this quest for justice. It is a call to action for governments, businesses, and individuals to take a stand against modern-day exploitation and to support initiatives that promote safe and sustainable employment.
The Freedom Business Alliance (FBA) is dedicated to creating dignified work opportunities for survivors of trafficking and those at risk of exploitation. By equipping businesses with the tools and resources needed to create safe employment opportunities, the FBA helps to break the cycle of poverty and vulnerability that often leads to forced labour and high rates of re-exploitation.
Labour Day is a powerful reminder of the progress that has been made in the fight for workers’ rights, but it also highlights the work that still needs to be done. As we reflect on the history of this holiday, let us also commit to addressing modern-day injustices.
Your support for the Freedom Business Alliance is crucial in this ongoing struggle. Your donation helps create safe and sustainable employment for those who need it most and continue the fight for a world where every worker is treated with dignity and respect and every human lives in freedom.
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