This volume reflects on the values behind the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda and provides a forum for contributors from various humanistic, philosophical, spiritual and religious traditions to express their views on the significance of work at all levels of society, from the individual person to the global community. Common, universal values are explored, as well as differences, in order to shed more light on the concept of decent work.

In all societies, there is an ethical dimension to work, connected to the rights and entitlements of those who perform it. This also includes spiritual values such as dignity, personal identity, a sense of purpose in life, the “divine call to work” and so on.

In this book, contributors – from the Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Confucian, and various secular traditions – come together to exchange comments and reflections on the “floor” of decency as defined by the ILO: freedom of association, eradication of forced and compulsory labour, abolition of child labour and elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

It is hoped that this type of approach will be inspiring. Before embarking on major international strategic papers, legal instruments and public policies, the systematic consultation of an interfaith and humanistic forum would enable cultural and religious views to be taken into consideration. In this way such instruments would be anchored in shared values and not influenced by any one dominant conception of human existence in the world.