G20 Radio Bulletin 87 - Workers at the G20: towards a new social contract

Labour 20 (L20), one of the G20 Social engagement groups, advocates for dialogue and action to address global inequalities, the impacts of digital transformation, and crises affecting workers worldwide. Listen to the coverage and learn more.

Reporter: The transformation of the labor market, marked by the emergence of digital platforms and artificial intelligence, has exacerbated inequalities, particularly in countries of the Global South, while democratic principles face unprecedented attack. In a recent meeting, workers organizations and unions that compose the Labour 20 Engagement Group of the G20 Social convened to underscore the need to incorporate additional issues to the agenda, such as the defending democracy, fostering solidarity in the economy, ensuring gender pay equity, promoting LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the workforce, and embracing technological advancements, among other priorities. 

Brasil's Minister of Labor and Employment, Luiz Marinho, emphasized the significance of forging partnerships between governments and businesses. 

Luiz Marinho: We all benefit when governments, employers, and workers join forces to invest in the workforce. When they unite to invest in education and training, to strengthen the social protection system and to ensure respect for human and labor rights at every step of the production chain.

Reporter: Ambassador Mauricio Lyrio, Brasil's G20 Sherpa, highlighted that President Lula's administration has provided a platform for unions to contribute suggestions for the G20's final document. 

Mauricio Lyrio: Within the G20, we are a total of 21 members negotiating text, and each of us brings very diverse positions. Nothing is automatic, everything is a negotiation. So it is very important that we can count on the contributions of the engagement groups from the start. Naturally, the contributions brought forth by the L20 are absolutely crucial.

Reporter: For the labor force, ensuring that digital transformations facilitate access to decent work and that the resulting benefits from profitability and productivity are equitably distributed are pivotal aspects of ongoing discussions.