SFWU public message on World Day for Decent Work |08 October 2026
‘Decent work: A right, not a privilege’
The Seychelles Federation of Workers’ Union (SFWU) joins workers, trade unions and social partners around the world in commemorating World Day for Decent Work on October 7, 2026.
On this important occasion, the SFWU reaffirms its belief that decent work must remain at the heart of national development. Every worker deserves employment that offers dignity, fair remuneration, safe and healthy working conditions, job security, social protection and respect for fundamental rights at work.
The SFWU acknowledges and commends the government for the measures being taken to strengthen workers’ rights and improve employment conditions, including its focus on youth employment and the broader labour agenda. We believe that creating decent and productive employment opportunities, particularly for young people, is essential to building a stronger, fairer and more prosperous Seychelles.
The federation also believes that workers must have a meaningful voice in shaping the national strategic plan for decent work. The experiences, concerns and aspirations of workers should be reflected in the policies and programmes designed to improve their lives.
Decent work is built on four essential and interconnected pillars: employment opportunities, rights at work, social protection and social dialogue. Progress must therefore be achieved across all four pillars through genuine cooperation among government, employers and workers.
A tribute to our teachers
As Seychelles marks Teachers’ Day, the SFWU takes this opportunity to congratulate and sincerely thank all teachers, both Seychellois and expatriate, for their dedication and invaluable contribution to educating our children and shaping the future of our nation.
Teachers deserve decent work too.
The SFWU welcomes the recent improvements made by the Ministry of Education to the schemes of service for teachers, particularly measures aimed at providing better and more dignified remuneration. We encourage the government to continue reviewing and improving schemes of service across other sectors so that public-sector employees can also benefit from fairer and more rewarding employment conditions.
At the same time, we call on private-sector employers to embrace the same principle by continuously improving wages, working conditions and opportunities for their employees.
Building a fairer workplace for all
The SFWU believes that decent work cannot be achieved through legislation alone. It requires political commitment, responsible employers, strong trade unions and meaningful social dialogue.
As Seychelles continues to develop, economic progress must translate into improved living and working conditions for ordinary workers and their families. Workers must be able to earn wages that allow them to live with dignity, support their families and fully participate in society.
The SFWU therefore calls for continued efforts towards fair and sustainable wages, stronger social protection, safe workplaces, equal treatment, respect for workers’ rights, opportunities for young people, and genuine collective bargaining and social dialogue.
We also welcome the ongoing national discussions on issues affecting workers, including the living wage, improvements in workers’ benefits and social protection, and measures aimed at ensuring greater fairness and security for workers and retirees.
The SFWU remains committed to working constructively with government, employers and other stakeholders to advance the cause of decent work and to ensure that no worker is left behind.
On this World Day for Decent Work, our message is clear:
Every worker deserves dignity at work. Every worker deserves fairness. Every worker deserves a voice. And every worker deserves decent work.
The SFWU wishes all workers in Seychelles, both Seychellois and expatriate, a meaningful and solidarity-filled World Day for Decent Work 2026.
Seychelles Federation of Workers’ Union (SFWU)