Decent Work
Productive work in conditions of freedom, equity, security, and human dignity.
How the laws define this
Both descriptions provided by the ILO Observatory on AI and Work in the Digital Economy agree that the core concept centers on productive work that ensures security and social protection. However, they diverge in how they conceptualize and broaden this standard. One formulation defines the term as productive work for women and men carried out under conditions of freedom, equity, security, and human dignity, explicitly incorporating rights, social protection, and social dialogue. In contrast, another formulation from the same ILO Observatory on AI and Work in the Digital Economy presents the concept as a strategic goal of the ILO focused on access to work opportunities. This second approach specifically highlights the delivery of a fair income, workplace security, and social protection extended to families, rather than emphasizing principles like equity, human dignity, rights, or social dialogue. Compliance professionals must note whether a framework treats the standard as an individual set of rights and conditions or as an organizational goal centered on fair pay and family-level protection.
Synthesised from the 2 statutory definitions below. Each one is quoted in full, with its source.
What it triggers
- The ILO Observatory on AI and Work in the Digital Economy sets out a strategic goal of the ILO involving opportunities for work that is productive and delivers a fair income, security in the workplace and social protection for families.source
- The ILO Observatory on AI and Work in the Digital Economy describes productive work for women and men in conditions of freedom, equity, security, and human dignity, encompassing rights, social protection, and social dialogue.
Definitions (2)
Productive work for women and men in conditions of freedom, equity, security, and human dignity, encompassing rights, social protection, and social dialogue.
A strategic goal of the ILO involving opportunities for work that is productive and delivers a fair income, security in the workplace and social protection for families.
Questions and answers
What is the strategic goal of Decent Work under the ILO Observatory?
The strategic goal involves opportunities for work that is productive and delivers a fair income, security in the workplace and social protection for families. This is set out by the ILO Observatory on AI and Work in the Digital Economy.
How does the ILO Observatory define Decent Work?
It defines Decent Work as productive work for women and men in conditions of freedom, equity, security, and human dignity, encompassing rights, social protection, and social dialogue.
What does Decent Work encompass according to ILO policies?
Decent Work encompasses rights, social protection, and social dialogue in conditions of freedom, equity, security, and human dignity. It also involves productive work delivering fair income and workplace security.