In Europe, care, especially for young children and the elderly, is one of the fastest growing sectors.
She noted that if not addressed properly, current deficits in care work and its quality will create a severe and unsustainable global care crisis, and further increase gender inequalities in the world of work. Recently, the world celebrated World Day for Decent Work , themed, ‘Investing in care for gender equality’.
In six emerging economies, an investment of two per cent of GDP in care would create over 42 million jobs. General Secretary, ITUC, Sharan Burrow, said greater investment in care is vital and urgent for every country, whether to ensure dignity and health for ageing populations or the best start in life for children in countries where the young dominate population statistics.
While the theme for this year is to reinforce the call for investment in care, which is fundamental to achieving gender equality at work and in society, Burrow added that it would help improve pay and working conditions in the sector and provide vital economic stimulus at a time when the global economy is sluggish and working families are feeling the pinch.
Meanwhile, as Nigeria joined the rest of the global trade union movement to mark the 2019 Decent Work Day, the labour unions reaffirmed their commitment to these ideals, saying the society has continued to face huge decent work deficits and widespread poverty. She called for tax reforms to bring more productive people into the tax net, progressive enough to ensure that the rich pay taxes commensurate to their income, and responsive enough to ensure that taxes are applied to reduce social inequality.