The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) marked the 2025 United Nations Public Service Day, describing it as a vital occasion to recognise and celebrate the dedication and resilience of public service workers across the continent and around the world.
In a statement commemorating the 2025 edition of the UN Public Service Day, ITUC-Africa General Secretary, Comrade Joel Odigie, praised the indispensable role played by workers in essential sectors including healthcare, education, sanitation, transportation, and public administration.
“In both times of crisis and stability, public service workers stand as the backbone of our societies,” Odigie said. “Their dedicated labour sustains essential services that uphold human dignity, foster social justice, and drive inclusive development.”
He noted that recent global challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, worsening climate crises, and growing socio-economic inequalities have reinforced the centrality of public services in safeguarding communities and promoting resilience.
Comrade Odigie, however, decried the increasing threats facing public service delivery across Africa due to austerity measures, privatisation, underfunding, and precarious employment conditions.
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“These pressures compromise not only workers’ rights and conditions but also reduce the accessibility and quality of essential services,” he said. “The result is widening inequality and growing public distrust in institutions.”
He stressed that protecting the rights and welfare of public service workers is critical to building resilient, equitable, and just societies. According to him, effective public services are fundamental to national development and good governance, and must be efficiently, transparently, and equitably delivered.
“As we mark this important day, ITUC-Africa reaffirms its call to protect and strengthen public services as both a global and national common good,” he said. “We denounce the continued pursuit of austerity, privatisation, and underinvestment that weaken the public sector.”
The Confederation urged African governments and international institutions to increase investment in public services, particularly in underserved and marginalised communities. It also called for decent working conditions, fair remuneration, and full respect for trade union rights.
Comrade Odigie further advocated for greater transparency, integrity, and inclusive citizen participation in public service governance. He emphasised the need for gender-responsive services that cater to the specific needs of vulnerable populations and promote social justice.
“We salute the tireless efforts of public sector workers and their trade unions, who continue to champion dignity, fairness, and democratic governance,” he said. “Their advocacy is vital in our collective pursuit of a just, equitable, and sustainable Africa.”
The United Nations General Assembly has designated 23 June as International Public Service Day to celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community.
