decent work

[ˈdiːsənt wɜːrk]
noun phrase
trabalho decente
1. Employment that provides fair wages, safe working conditions, social protection, and opportunities for personal development and social integration
The organization advocates for decent work standards across all industries.
A organização defende padrões de trabalho decente em todas as indústrias.
2. Work that respects fundamental labor rights and allows workers to support themselves and their families
Everyone deserves access to decent work opportunities.
Todos merecem acesso a oportunidades de trabalho decente.
3. Employment characterized by dignity, security, and fair treatment of workers
Decent work includes protection from discrimination and harassment.
Trabalho decente inclui proteção contra discriminação e assédio.
Decent work is a central concept in international labor policy, particularly promoted by the International Labour Organization (ILO). In Brazil, it has become increasingly important in policy discussions since the 1990s. The term encompasses not just employment but a holistic view of worker well-being, reflecting growing concerns about labor rights, informal economy workers, and social inequality in both developed and developing nations.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
fair workquality employmentdignified workethical employment
Antonyms / Antônimos
exploitative workslave laborsweatshop workprecarious employment

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
trabalho decente
Standard term used by Brazilian government and NGOs, particularly in labor policy discussions
Rio de Janeiro
trabalho decente
Common usage in labor unions and civil society organizations
São Paulo
trabalho decente
Widely used in business and labor contexts; formal economic discussions
Portugal
trabalho digno
Alternative term sometimes preferred in Portugal, though 'trabalho decente' is also understood

Related Words

labor rightsfair wagesworking conditionssocial protectionworker dignityemployment standards

Related Idioms & Phrases

a fair day's work for a fair day's pay
earn an honest living
put in a hard day's work
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