Read this article in:
- Español
English
12 September, 2018Representatives of international trade-union organizations attended the Labour 20 Summit (L20) in Mendoza, Argentina, on 4 and 5 September 2018. They called on the G20 to take steps to reduce inequalities, combat precarious work and ensure a fair transition to a low-carbon economy.
In a statement submitted to Argentina’s Labour Minister, Jorge Triaca, union leaders issued a number of employment-related conclusions and recommendations for the G20 leaders, pointing out that inequality is at an all-time high, precarious work is still rife and a fair transition to a low-carbon economy is needed.
The union leaders hope that their input will encourage world leaders at the upcoming G20 summit in November to set out an agenda that benefits all members of society, but especially members of the working class, who are the most disadvantaged.
They called for an end to precarious work in global supply chains, for workers to receive earn wages adjusted to the cost of living, and for companies to respect workers' fundamental rights in terms of trade union membership and collective bargaining.
The union leaders recommended that world leaders promote gender equality in the labour market and demanded that they introduce legislation to address the issue of violence in the workplace. They also recommended addressing the persistently high youth unemployment levels through active labour market policies and investment in formal training.
Finally, the union leaders highlighted the importance of working together to meet the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement by promoting and implementing strategies for a just transition to a low-carbon economy.
IndustriALL Global Union's regional secretary, Marino Vani, attended the summit:
If we are to slow global warming, we will have to transition away from fossil fuels and towards alternative energy sources in manufacturing. This will have a huge impact on underdeveloped countries: their economies will shrink; they will export less and have fewer resources and less income; and there won’t be as many jobs or State social policies.
We therefore need to find solutions so that we can ensure a fair transition and promote inclusive growth worldwide through stronger social policies and a more even distribution of income.
IndustriALL's general secretary, Valter Sanches, said:
IndustriALL joins the organizations attending the L20 and will continue to call for the G20 and its member sates to adopt public policies that promote employment, generate income and reduce inequalities. We will continue to fight alongside our affiliates for decent wages and employment conditions.