LABOR

Future of work. Coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the International Labour Organization (ILO), January 22 saw the release by ILO’s Global Commission of a report on the future of work in the digital age. The report argues that the skills and qualifications that characterize today’s labour market will not necessarily match the jobs of tomorrow. It calls on governments to take measures to seize on these “profound transformations” to achieve “economic security, equal opportunities and social justice” for all workers. One such measure would be the constitution by governments of a Universal Labor Guarantee (GLU) ensuring adequate living wages, limits on work-hours and health and safety guarantees in the workplace. These recommendations will be discussed at the 108th International Labour Conference June 2019

The report argues that while technological advances such as in artificial intelligence, automation and robotics will create new jobs, significant job losses will also occur should the transition into these technologies be poorly handled by governments. In addition, the ILO anticipates that the increase in the youth population will generate pressure on labour markets and social security systems. The organization calls on governments to “revitalize the social contract” by adopting policies that take advantage of the transformations of the future. These include ensuring the lifelong learning of young people to guarantee their inclusion in the labor market and promoting teleworking for older workers who want to remain economically active.

On the other hand, the ILO realizes that as the organization of work changes, new ways of offering adequate protection to workers must be consolidated. As such, it recommends promoting digital investment and establishing a Universal Labour Guarantee. This guarantee concerns the provision of an adequate living wage, a limitation on working hours and safety and health policies in the workplace. The GLU, which will seek to combat forced or coerced labor resulting from workers’ poverty and low wages, must also recognize freedom of association and collective bargaining. This floor, or guarantee, of protection could be further improved through collective agreements or legislation.

Next steps

The International Labour Organization brings together governments, employers and workers from 187 member states to agree on decent work policies for all. From 10 to 21 June 2019, the 108th Session of the International Labour Conference will be held. The report on the future of work elaborated by the ILO is expected to be discussed during the annual meeting, with a view to stimulating  governments developing national strategies to address this issue.