Program Director,
Allow me to acknowledge the ancestors of the land,siyacamagusha kwi zihlwele zokukhanya
- Her excellency, Minister of Employment and labour, Meth and all DM present
- The Premier of our Province,EC, Home of the Legence, Mr Mabuyane, Diya
- The Executive Mayor of NMM, Ms Lobishe, Zulu,
- Members of Troika, Leadership of organised labour and business, distinguished guests, and a special welcome to those visiting South Africa and my city, Gqeberha for the first time.
I am honoured to represent the international trade union movement, one of the world’s largest and most democratic social movements. The Labour 20 (L20) unites unions from G20 countries, global sector federations, and the International Trade Union Confederation, collectively representing over 200 million workers in 169 countries.
While we advocate for workers worldwide, this L20—hosted here in my home country, South Africa—allows us to spotlight the challenges facing workers in Africa and the global South.
- A Call for a New Social Contract
The L20 firmly believes that a New Social Contract—founded on jobs, rights, wages, social protection, equality, and inclusion—is essential in addressing the issues the G20 Presidency seeks to tackle. We are living and working in an unequal world, and change is long overdue.
The world of work has the potential to address many root causes of inequality, if the right policies are in place. Every worker deserves the right to a decent living.
- Decent Jobs & Just Transition
To achieve this, we need:
- More decent jobs, backed by investments in job-rich, climate-friendly sectors such as sustainable infrastructure, the green economy, digital economy, care economy, and public services.
- Opportunities for young people, who continue to experience the highest levels of unemployment.
- The formalisation of over 2 billion informal jobs worldwide to bring stability and security to workers.
A Just Transition must be at the heart of climate action. Workers and their communities cannot be left behind under unfair so-called “climate solutions.” This is not just a climate issue or a social justice issue—it is a governance issue. Without fair solutions for workers, we risk eroding democracy itself.
- Labour Rights & the Future of Work
We must guarantee fundamental labour rights for all workers, including:
- The right to collective bargaining and the right to strike.
- A binding treaty on business and human rights to enforce labour rights across supply chains.
- Limits on working hours so that workers have both dignified work and a fulfilling life.
The rapid rise of digitalisation and AI requires a Just Transition for workers. Algorithmic management and surveillance are reshaping the workplace, often at the cost of workers’ rights.
The platform economy has introduced a new form of informality, misclassifying workers and depriving them of essential protections. The upcoming ILO discussions on Decent Work in the Platform Economy present a key opportunity to set clear labour standards.
- Wages, Social Protection & Gender Equality
Growing inequality and poverty are among the greatest challenges of our time. Wages is the most effective tool for reducing poverty, inequality, and driving progress on the SDGs and therefore
We must:
- Ensure living wages across all sectors.
- Advance equal pay for work of equal value to close wage gaps.
- Expand universal social protection, as nearly 4 billion people worldwide lack coverage.
- Strengthen public services to support workers throughout their careers.
Gender equality must remain a priority. Closing employment and wage gaps, advancing decent work for women, and eradicating gender-based violence and harassment are non-negotiable. Minimum living wages, universal social protection, and reduced working hours are key tools to advancing gender equity.
- A Collective Call to Action
The L20 welcomes the G20’s commitment to addressing inequality and ensuring living wages, unionisation, and collective bargaining.
We have a challenging yet urgent task ahead, so, without further delay, let us begin. Let us engage in meaningful dialogue and work together to build a world where workers’ rights and dignity are respected, and their lives are significantly improved.
I Thank you.