Why This Matters for African Workers?
Our continent knows too well the devastating cost of conflict and militarization. From the ongoing tragedies in Sudan, the Sahel region, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Horn of Africa, to the historical scars of armed conflicts across our continent, African workers and their families bear the heaviest burden of war.

While conflicts rage and military budgets expand, our people face:
• Mass unemployment, particularly among youth
• Collapsing public services in health and education
• Forced displacement and migration
• Destruction of workplaces and livelihoods
• Erosion of democratic spaces and workers’ rights
• Diversion of resources from development to armaments
• We know that the money spent on weapons is money stolen from hospitals, schools, decent jobs, and social protection. We know that peace is not just the absence of war— it is the presence of justice, democracy, and decent work for all.

What Your Union Can Do (24-30 October 2025)
We urge all affiliated organisations to take visible action during UNIONS FOR PEACE Week. Your actions should complement and amplify the continental initiatives above.

1. Public Advocacy & Media
• Issue press statements linking peace to workers’ welfare in your national context
• Write opinion pieces for newspapers on military spending vs. social investment
• Secure radio and TV interviews for union leaders to discuss peace and development
• Hold press conferences highlighting workers’ demands for peace
• Amplify the 24 October Workers for Peace Declaration in national media

2. Social Media Mobilisation
• Use official hashtags: #UnionsForPeaceAfrica #FromArmsToJobs
• Share stories of how conflicts affect workers in your country/region
• Amplify the voices of women workers and young workers for peace

• Tag @ITUCAfrica and @ITUC in your posts for regional amplification
• Participate in the 30 October Digital Thunderclap at the designated time
• Share content from the continental digital campaign daily (24-30 Oct)

3. Workplace & Community Actions
• Organize workplace discussions on peace, democracy, and workers’ rights
• Display peace banners and materials at union offices and workplaces
• Hold moments of solidarity for workers affected by conflicts
• Conduct educational sessions on the link between peace and decent work
• Organize symbolic peace activities (26-29 Oct): peace ribbons, one-minute silence, or "Peace at Work" posters

4. Demonstrations & Public Events
• Organize or join peace marches and demonstrations (where safe and feasible)
• Hold public forums on "Investing in People, Not Weapons"
• Convene roundtables with civil society, faith groups, and community leaders
• Organize cultural events (concerts, theatre, art) promoting peace messages

5. Policy & Institutional Engagement
• Present resolutions on peace in your union’s governing bodies
• Engage with parliamentarians on military spending transparency
• Submit memoranda to government on social investment priorities
• Approach Regional Economic Community bodies on peace and social dialogue
• Participate in or organize viewing sessions for the 25 October Labour-Peace Dialogue Forum

6. Coalition Building
• Partner with women’s organizations, youth movements, and peace networks
• Collaborate with faith-based organizations active in peacebuilding
• Connect with academic institutions for research and policy dialogue
• Link with Pan-African civil society platforms

Reporting Your Actions
Please share your planned and completed activities with us at:
Email: info@ituc-africa.org and communications@ituc-africa.org
Include: photos, videos, press clippings, social media links, statements, and brief descriptions

This week is an opportunity for African trade unions to demonstrate our principled stance : we reject war, violence, and militarization. We demand that governments prioritize human security through decent jobs, quality public services, social protection, and sustainable development.

In solidarity,
Akhator Joel ODIGIE
General Secretary