Trade unions have historically led the fight against the exploitation of children, through direct action to stop exploitation of children and ensure decent wages and working conditions for adults, thus reducing the likelihood that children will end up working.
At the international level, unions have played a central role in the development of International Labour Organisation Conventions on the issue, as well as campaigning for governments to ratify and implement these standards. Unions are also heavily involved in international and national action to ensure Education for All.
“Tens of millions of children at work instead of at school” said ITUC General Secretary Guy Ryder. “Governments must show the political will to invest in quality education for all children, and make sure that child labour laws are strong and are fully implemented”, he added.
International Trade Union Confederation