MWUN President-General Bunu Calls For Strengthened Democracy to Guarantee Decent Work On World Day For Decent Work 2025

MWUN President-General Bunu Calls For Strengthened Democracy to Guarantee Decent Work On World Day For Decent Work 2025

MWUN President General Comrade Francis Bunu y

By Frank Odinukaeze

The President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, has joined workers across the globe to mark the 2025 edition of the World Day for Decent Work (WDW), emphasizing the urgent need for societies to uphold democracy as a foundation for ensuring fair and dignified labour practices.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “For Democracy to Deliver Decent Work,” Comrade Bunu underscored that decent work remains a fundamental right for all workers, stressing that the goal can only be realized in a thriving democratic environment.
According to the labour leader, “Workers must remain committed to decency in their workplaces at all times. But this can only be achieved through a democracy that truly delivers — one that guarantees better remuneration and provides a conducive work environment.”
He lamented that millions of workers across Africa still struggle without adequate social protection or living wages, describing the situation as unacceptable. “Every job must be pragmatically safe, and every worker deserves respect, which is part of man’s dignity in labour,” Bunu said, echoing the ideals of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa).
Bunu further urged governments across the continent to prioritize people over profit, noting that the strength of any nation lies in the welfare and productivity of its workforce. “It is only when democracy thrives that workers can enjoy fair working conditions. Sadly, most workers today live below average standards, which affects their mental and psychological wellbeing,” he added.
The veteran sailor and industrial activist appealed to leaders around the world to give democracy a genuine chance to flourish, as a means of uplifting the economic and social well-being of workers.
He described the World Day for Decent Work as not just a day of recognition but a call to action, stressing that “together, we can build a future where decent work becomes a reality, not a daydream — and that future depends on a working democracy in every nation.”
Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna
Head of Media, MWUN,signed the press statement