Michael Sommer, Chairman of The German Confederation of Trade Unions - Voices on social justice

(social justice means to me) that human dignity becomes a reality, regardless of the colour of your skin, nationality, and social background; that human beings have the right to live in dignity, and that they can achieve this through their work, that they are paid decently, that they can plan their future and live in safety - that's what social justice means to me. As the German trade unions would say, everybody should be given the right and the opportunity to realize his potential. I even think that economic growth is one of the preconditions for the accumulation of wealth, and for bringing up social justice; all this depends on a certain amount of wealth in a society which is created in the end by labour. Economic growth is based on labour and labour productivity. But we have to make sure that social wealth is shared and does not end up in the pockets of just a few people. If we do so, economic growth does make sense. Faced with climate change and natural disasters, we have to acknowledge however, that we need a new perception of growth; it's not just about accumulating wealth, but doing it in a rational way, respect the environment and climate; and we have to make sure that mankind does not only become richer but also cares for its survival. If I didn't believe that social justice is possible for all, I wouldn't work as a trade unionist. But I know, at present we are far away from reaching this goal. We face millions of people without jobs living under the poverty line, millions of children working, forced labour; political, economic and moral repression. Though, I believe that social justice is possible for all. Being the only international organization incorporating governments, workers and employers, the ILO has the great opportunity to make a major contribution to the achievement of social justice. Given that the ILO is not only a 'talking shop' and that the issues discussed here materialize at some stage and are put into practice. This may sound a bit rude, but declarations are one thing, letters of intent another; but what people are really expecting from us are concrete achievements. But I trust that the ILO, just as much as the UN, can make a major contribution here, although we are farer away from reaching this goal than in the past.