Quality jobs
Work Fit for People is the response of the Union of Autonomous Trade Unions of Croatia (SSSH) to the accelerated decline in the quality of jobs in Croatia, the degradation of workers’ rights and the demographic crisis. This concept is the first step towards a new stage in the fight for the dignity of work and workers – a guide for all of us who are already in this fight and an invitation to all those who wish to join us.
Work Fit for People is a realistic aim and the fundamental right of every person, but it will not be achieved of its own accord. It can be achieved only if we know what it comprises and if we have a clear strategy on how to achieve it. Work Fit for People needs to be fought for, together. The right way is certainly by increasing the number and quality of collective agreements and by advocating and proposing better public policies, laws and strategies. We are already working tirelessly towards achieving that aim. Join us!
Work Fit for People is an overall concept; an integrated definition of six elements that make up a quality job:
Good wages
Work Fit for People means a good wage that enables the meeting of the existential and other human needs of workers and their families. In addition, the wage must be based on a fair distribution of the newly created value between workers and the employer. This implies, among other things, that it must be comparable to wages for the same occupation in the industry in which the employer operates and that it reflects the results of the employer’s business. A good wage implies properly recorded and paid overtime, as well as appropriate bonuses for work in special and difficult working conditions.
Protection of health
Work Fit for People means a safe workplace with appropriate occupational health and safety measures in place and a workload that does not jeopardise physical and mental health. Health protection also requires a working environment in which good interpersonal relations between colleagues, but also between people at higher and lower levels in the hierarchy, are nurtured, stress prevention measures are implemented and there is zero tolerance regarding any form of discrimination and bullying.
Learning and career progression
Work Fit for People is work that enables workers to have continuous education and training, not only in terms of the knowledge and skills that are necessary to perform the tasks of the job. Every worker, within a framework appropriate for the job and the activity in which they work, must have the possibility of professional development and career progression.
Zaštita i sigurnost
Work Fit for People means work on an open-ended employment contract, unless another form of contract is the express choice of the worker. It also includes coverage by the social security system (pension, health and unemployment insurance), which implies payment of the full amount of the wage in a legal way; that is, with taxes and contributions both being paid. Job security also implies respect for prescribed and contracted labour rights including, among others, protection against unjustified and unsubstantiated dismissal.
A voice in the workplace
Work Fit for People means a work environment in which a culture of fair treatment and mutual respect is nurtured and workers have the possibility to participate in making decisions that affect the work environment and work processes. A voice in the workplace includes freedom of organising and trade union activity, the right to collective bargaining and the right to strike. Workers must be able to express their opinions, proposals and demands individually, but also collectively; that is, through their elected representatives.
Working hours
Work Fit for People means the organisation of working time that leaves sufficient space for private life and family obligations. Furthermore, the working time schedule must be announced to workers well in advance so that they can plan and coordinate work in line with their private plans and commitments.
What can you do?
Everyone can help us fight together for better wages, healthier and safer workplaces, the better organisation of working hours, worker participation in decision-making and the opportunity to learn and to progress careers in the workplace.
In the public sphere, every single voice against the exploitation of workers and against the increase in the number of fixed-term contracts, part-time jobs and other precarious forms of employment is important. Join us in our fight for Work Fit for People! Here is how you can help:
- by sharing our posts on social networks using the hashtag #radpomjeri;
- by publicly advocating better working conditions;
- by advocating collective bargaining;
- by opposing the exploitation of workers and the excessive use by employers of precarious forms of work, such as fixed-term work and part-time engagements.
If you are already a member of a trade union, get involved in trade union activities and actions, find out about the trade union and what it is doing and planning in your company and try to motivate your colleagues to join the union.
If you are not employed, join our initiatives and support our requests to improve the position of workers in society.
If you are not employed,join our initiatives and support our requests to improve the position of workers in society.
Find out more about the concept of Work Fit for People and help us achieve it.
Because together we are stronger!
