International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Disability inclusion is key to a new social contract

This International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 3 December, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) calls for urgent global action to eliminate barriers faced by the one billion people of working age worldwide who have disabilities.

Credit: PSI

Many, in particular those exposed to multiple and intersecting discrimination based on class, gender, age, race, ethnicity, gender identity and sexual orientation, and migration or refugee status, are denied their fundamental right to decent work due to structural challenges and discrimination.

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) experience:

  • Disproportionately high unemployment and economic inactivity rates, compounded by systemic prejudice and stigma.
  • For those in employment, violence and harassment on the job and lack of access to reasonable accommodation exacerbate their marginalisation.

Progress toward disability inclusion remains stagnant or in reverse in several areas of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to the 2024 UN Disability and Development Report.

Luc Triangle, ITUC General Secretary, stated: “Social justice is impossible without full inclusion of persons with disabilities. Trade unions worldwide are committed to fighting for their rights, ensuring decent work, and fostering workplace cultures that value diversity and inclusion. A New Social Contract that leaves no one behind is essential for truly democratic societies.”

To achieve meaningful change, the ITUC calls for:

  • Full implementation of human rights commitments: Uphold the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
  • Ratification and effective implementation of ILO Conventions: Guarantee the rights to non-discrimination, freedom of association and collective bargaining, safe and healthy working environments which are free from violence and harassment.
  • Recognise care as a public good and human right and ensure increased public investments in quality care and support services: Ensure universal access to public care and support systems aligned with the ILO Resolution on decent work in the care economy.
  • Enhanced union representation: Strengthen trade unions to represent workers with disabilities and ensure inclusive social dialogue.

On 3 December, the ITUC urges governments, employers, and society to accelerate efforts toward disability inclusion and ensure that no one is left behind. Progress requires bold action to address stigma and promote equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in all spheres of life.