Putting People at the Centre of Work: Decent Jobs, Equal Rights and Safer Workplaces in Albania

Work is more than employment. It is closely linked to dignity, equality, safety, income security, participation and opportunity. When workers benefit from fair wages, safe workplaces, equal treatment and protection from discrimination, societies become more inclusive, economies become stronger and development becomes more sustainable.

This commitment is central to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Albania, which supports national efforts to advance inclusive and sustainable development, strengthen social cohesion and ensure that no one is left behind. Decent work, responsible business conduct and equality in the workplace are essential to this shared vision.

“On International Workers’ Day, we are reminded that decent work is central to human dignity, social justice and sustainable development. In Albania, continued progress depends on ensuring that all workers, including women, young people, persons from minority communities, persons with disabilities and workers in vulnerable situations, can access safe, fair and inclusive employment opportunities. Advancing decent work is essential not only for economic growth, but also for reducing inequalities, strengthening social cohesion and ensuring that no one is left behind,” said Ms. Ingrid Macdonald, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Albania.

Through the International Labour Organization’s SCORE Programme, Sustaining Competitive and Responsible Enterprises, small and medium enterprises are supported to improve productivity, working conditions and sustainability. The programme combines practical classroom training with in-factory consulting and promotes cooperation between managers and workers. Its modules include workplace cooperation, occupational safety and health, quality improvement, workforce management, gender equality, responsible business practices, working time management and resource efficiency.

“On International Workers’ Day, the International Labour Organization (ILO) reaffirms that decent work is a fundamental pillar of dignity, equality, and sustainable development. In Albania, while progress has been made, continued efforts are essential to ensure safe and healthy working conditions, equal pay for work of equal value, and stronger protection from discrimination. Through the SCORE Programme, the ILO supports enterprises in becoming more productive and competitive while simultaneously improving working conditions, strengthening social dialogue, and promoting responsible business practices,” said Raelva Shabanaj, National Project Coordinator, Business Partnerships and Solutions for SDGs, ILO Office for Central and Eastern Europe.

In Albania, decent work remains a key human rights priority, particularly for workers in manufacturing, services and labour-intensive sectors such as fasoneri and textile production, where many workers are women. Continued attention is needed to address challenges related to low pay, informality, limited access to social protection, occupational safety and health risks, unequal opportunities and limited voice in the workplace.

International Workers’ Day is therefore a reminder that economic development and human rights must advance together. Productivity and competitiveness are strongest when workplaces are safe, inclusive and free from discrimination, and when workers can participate, raise concerns and access equal opportunities.

The human rights dimension of work is central to the UN’s mandate. Decent work contributes directly to the enjoyment of several rights, including the right to just and favourable conditions of work, the right to safe and healthy working conditions, the right to non-discrimination and equality, the right to social protection, and the right to participation and collective voice. It is also closely linked to gender equality, poverty reduction, social inclusion and sustainable economic growth.

The ILO SCORE Programme demonstrates that better working conditions and stronger businesses are mutually reinforcing. By strengthening cooperation at the workplace, improving occupational safety and health, supporting gender equality and promoting responsible business practices, enterprises can become more competitive while also advancing decent work and human rights.

On this 1 May, the United Nations in Albania reaffirms its commitment to working with national institutions, workers’ and employers’ organizations, civil society and development partners to promote decent work, equality and dignity for all workers, including those in sectors where labour rights protections require continued attention.

Decent work is not only an economic objective. It is a human rights commitment. Every worker should be able to work safely, be treated fairly, earn a decent living, participate in workplace dialogue and enjoy equal opportunities, free from discrimination, harassment or exploitation.