The 15th BRICS Trade Union Forum in India has brought together representatives of trade union organizations from 13 countries. The Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus (FTUB) took part in the forum, BelTA learned from the FTUB press service.
The forum program included the presentation of country reports and thematic sessions dedicated to the most pressing issues of the modern labor market. The participants' focus was on the development of universal social security, building skills for the future world of work, the role of women in the transformation of employment, the introduction of human-centric technologies, and the use of artificial intelligence.
Head of the Main Department of International Cooperation at the FTUB Vladimir Goshin emphasized the importance of strengthening international trade union cooperation. According to him, constructive dialogue and solidarity among trade union organizations of the BRICS countries contribute to more effective protection of workers’ labor rights and the development of joint approaches to addressing pressing issues in the international labor market. “The voice of Belarus’ trade union movement in BRICS is becoming increasingly influential, and the solidarity of member countries on key issues is delivering real results for workers," Vladimir Goshin noted
The 15th BRICS Trade Union adopted the declaration reaffirming the commitment of BRICS trade unions to workers’ rights, universal social security, inclusive growth, social dialogue and sustainable development. Social dialogue and collective bargaining are the most effective means of enhancing productivity and social justice. The declaration also expressed concern over ongoing international conflicts and their negative impact on workers. “International peace, stability, and the rejection of hegemony are necessary prerequisites for decent work,” the document stresses.
Forum participants also agreed on specific areas of cooperation in adapting the labor market to new conditions related to the spread of platform employment, artificial intelligence, and other pressing issues. An important outcome of the forum was the agreement to establish a permanent institutional mechanism for the systemic participation of trade unions in discussions on economic and social policy in the BRICS countries.
The Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus consistently develops cooperation with foreign partners and maintains ongoing interaction with dozens of national trade union centers abroad, including those within BRICS. The participation of the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus in the 15th BRICS Trade Union Forum has been another step toward strengthening international trade union cooperation and expanding opportunities for exchanging experience on issues of protecting workers’ labor rights and socio-economic interests.
