An International Seminar promoted by LOC/MTC was held in Sesimbra, at the Cinema-Theatre João Mota from the 7th to the 10th of June 2012, on the topic “The right to decent work for all”.

Members from several civic and ecclesial, national and international, organizations took part in this meeting, in a total of 60 participants. The Mayor of Sesimbra, the Bishop of Setúbal and representatives of EZA – European Centre for Workers Questions, also attended the event.

Several conclusions were drawn from this event, expressed as observations, convictions and challenges which are listed below.

Human labour is going through major changes. But such changes should not mean going back in civilizational terms. If decent and fairly paid work is presently recognised as an important human right, enshrined in national constitutions and in the European model, why is it that more and more of these same rights are being taken away and trampled over? Why is it that, after a decade of reviews to the labour laws, after the implementation of new labour codes, greater flexibilization, etc., why are we having more and more precarious jobs and unemployment? Work is losing its rightful position as the pillar of human fulfilment and social development; and employability is currently restricted only to the small portion of those who are capable and submissive enough to adapt themselves to flexibility and mobility. While millions are being excluded all over the world.