Hans News Service Hyderabad

BRICSTrade Union Forum Summit (TUFS) Chairman S Mallesham said that the forthcoming BRICS TUFS in the city will be a pivotal step towards shaping the future of work in a rapidly changing global landscape.

He said on Thursday that, under India’s chairmanship, it will put forward a special agenda highlighting four critical issues for deliberation among member nations. Recognising the vital role of employees’ voices, the forum aims to foster multilateral cooperation and social justice in the world’s leading emerging economies.

As part of the proposed agenda for the summit, “The universalisation of social security and international portability” will be on the agenda. As migration corridors actively connect several BRICS countries, the continuity of social security benefits for cross-border workers has become increasingly important”

“Building on the 2016 BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Declaration and subsequent discussions,” the forum, during the ensuing summit, seeks to advance policies that ensure migrant workers can access and transfer social security entitlements seamlessly, regardless of their country of employment, he added. This would provide much-needed stability and protection to the growing migrant workforce within BRICS nations.

Mallesham said the second issue on the agenda is the rapid digital transformation of workplaces driven by artificial intelligence, automation, and digitalisation. Against this backdrop and as the BRICS nations experience significant changes in labour dynamics, “The forum calls for a debate on human-centric technology and the responsible governance of AI in the workplace.”

This was with a view to achieving a goal “to ensure that technological advancements respect workers’ rights, promote fair employment practices, and are implemented in a way that benefits both businesses and employees. This discussion is particularly timely, given the global debates on balancing innovation with ethical, inclusive policies,” he said.

The BRICS TUFS Chairman stated that skill development will also be discussed, as it is emerging as the third focal point. The Forum emphasises the trade unions’ proactive role in driving continuous, state-supported acquisition of vocational, sector-specific, and digital skills. “The objective was to address labour shortages and surpluses collaboratively among BRICS members, ensuring that workers are equipped for the demands of the new digital economy.” Besides, Mutual recognition of qualifications and the ability to pivot to new skill sets are seen as key to both national and international economic resilience.

Given the overall expectations from the ensuing summit, he said, the forum will reaffirm the bedrock principle of inclusive labour markets by proposing a special discussion on “Women and Future of Work.” Equal opportunities for all, irrespective of gender, are essential for social justice and sustainable economic progress. The BRICS Trade Union Forum is committed to gender equality and a more inclusive future of work.