In Rome, on a day like today, on 25th August 1957, the International YCW held a World Assembly which brought together more than 30.000 young people, appointed by their fellow workers from 87 countries and territories, from all continents.

Since 1925, the YCW movement was growing around the world. Following several actions, mostly international meetings, the year 1957 saw the official birth of the IYCW, in Rome. This gathering was aimed at bringing forward the young workers’ demands, from every country in the world, and to show a public testimony promoting awareness-raising and education of young people through a movement that is of, between and for young workers.

All the delegates attending the assembly solemnly committed themselves to be at the service of all their co-workers in order to, as Cardijn himself said it many times, “Achieve temporary happiness and eternal salvation together, for all the young workers in the world”. The assembly was also an opportunity for the delegates to meet by continents, in regional Congresses, in order to identify common problems and propose more suitable solutions.

“Hi, my name is Ana, I’m 25, from Apurimac, and currently living in Lima. I started to work at the early age of 8 in the family of a lawyer in which I was allowed to study but with duties to fulfil in the house. When I was 14, I started to work full time in the home of a 84 year-old lady and her son where my duties were washing clothes, cooking, cleaning the house, doing the shopping, helping the lady for certain things for two years. This family allowed me to continue my studies at night but at the same time they would always tell me: "you are useless." When I wanted to leave this house, they threatened me, "if you leave, I will report you to the police." For a while they scared me and I stayed a little longer out of fear. Sometimes when I made mistakes or I was answering back, they would pull my hair from my shoulder or simply push me. They paid me 80 soles a month and with time they increased it and I managed to earn up to 200 soles. They wouldn't give me any compensations, bonuses or holidays. Sometimes they didn't let me go out on Sundays.”

Today, one Need is More Obvious than Ever:  Social Protection for All to Ensure Dignity in Life and Work

Today is the 134th anniversary of the International Day of the Working Class. We are commemorating it by demonstrating or meeting online instead of walking together out in the streets. This shows what we are experiencing every day: our whole lives and societies are impacted by the global Covid-19 pandemic. What are young workers’ experiences in this situation? Please read some testimonies below.

“Hello to all co-workers! From now on, my husband and I are without work, without pay. I just finished my contract last February 29th in a food factory. My husband was asked not to go to work because of the lockdown due to Covid-19. I was supposed to work in the factory again, but it was postponed because of the closure. We'll have to wait until the virus pandemic is over. This situation is difficult because we can't work and we can't afford to buy food. There are relief items, but it is not enough for all our daily needs. We really need money, but of course we have to put up with this and stay home. The hardest part is seeing your children hungry. It's okay for us adults, we're willing to sacrifice, but it's very sad for children to experience something like this.” - Philippines