The representative of KOLPING INTERNATIONAL, Dr. Hagemann, stressed that the concept of decent work was facing a crucial test in the times of the current economic and financial crisis. Specifically this crisis leads to fierce competition on the markets and this leads to an increase in the pressure on the working conditions, often with the consequence of the erosion of workers’ rights. Especially in such times it is important that by means of internationally agreed standards the minimum rights of the workers are protected.
Using the Convention C177 on the rights of homeworkers, Dr. Hagemann made it clear what significance these regulations have. Especially the lack of protection for male and female homeworkers leads to a pressure on the costs for production. Even though home work is the daily life of primarily the female workforce in emerging nations and developing countries, the low labour costs also have consequences for the industrialized nations. The recognition of female home workers’ rights is a deliberate sign of social responsibility. KOLPING INTERNATIONAL therefore supports the worldwide ratification of the Convention C177.
