Unions Call for a New Social Contract - The Democratic Socialist Project

According to the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), by far the largest democratic organization in the world: "An alliance of tech elites, corporate giants and far-right political forces is advancing what can only be described as a billionaire coup against democracy. Their goal is clear: to shift power away from the people and entrench it permanently in the hands of a global oligarchy."

To counter this attack the ITUC is proposing a new social contract, based on a framework adopted by trade unions around the world in 2022. It includes ten policy areas:

Universal fair taxation. For decades, governments have allowed the richest individuals and corporations to avoid paying their fair share. It is time for the fair taxation of wealth and capital, the closure of corporate tax loopholes, and a binding United Nations Framework Convention on Tax to ensure multinational corporations pay taxes where they earn their profits.

Regulation for corporations, not for individual lives. Deregulation has handed power to unelected corporate actors while stripping rights from workers, women, migrants and minorities. Mandatory due diligence, binding instruments on supply chains and stronger regulation of corporate lobbying are essential to restore balance.

Public, good quality education for all children. Education is a right, not a commodity. Governments must reverse austerity, invest in public education, and ensure fair conditions for teachers and students alike.

Public services for the people, not for profit. Privatisation has eroded essential services, deepening inequality. Privatisation must end and be replaced by a massive reinvestment in public infrastructure to rebuild trust and prosperity.

Healthcare, retirement and social protections. This is a human right, yet billions lack even basic social protection coverage. Governments must expand funding, restore benefits and support health and care workers with fair wages and decent conditions.

Living wages and workplace democracy for all. Stagnant wages and soaring corporate profits have deepened poverty and injustice. It is time for governments to guarantee living minimum wages, strengthen collective bargaining and protect union rights.

Climate action with a Just Transition. Workers are facing the horror of climate chaos while elites plan to escape its consequences. We need binding climate plans that include commitments to quality jobs, strong labour rights and the direct involvement of workers unions.

Freedom and equality for all. Billionaire-backed far-right forces are fuelling a backlash against women, migrants, LGBTQI+ people and marginalised communities. Governments must fully implement international commitments like ILO Convention 190, enforce protections, and fund inclusive policies.

Peace not war. Militarism diverts resources away from people’s true needs. A peaceful future demands disarmament to fund reinvestment in social services, and a partnership with workers’ unions to rebuild democratic societies.

Migration and justice. Corporations move freely across borders to maximise profits, while migrants face violence, detention and criminalisation. Migrants are workers, not criminals. Safe, legal migration pathways, equal treatment and the right to organise are essential pillars of democratic societies.

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