The International Labour Organization (ILO) has released its report of 2019 titled “Work for a brighter future”. The report discusses the dramatic changes in the world of work and provides suggestions on how to manage these transformations. The ILO’s Global Commission on the Future of Work has made this report as an aid to governments worldwide, urging them to address the issues stemming from these unprecedented changes.
Key Findings
In its report, the ILO states that there are currently 190 million people unemployed globally while 300 million workers live in extreme poverty. Wage gaps are expanding even though wage growth is slowing down. The report also addresses the impact of technological advancement – such as artificial intelligence, automation, and robotics – on job creation and unemployment.
While these technologies will create new jobs, those who lose their jobs during this transition may not be equipped enough to take advantage of these new employment opportunities. In addition, implementing sustainable practices with clean technologies will create millions of jobs, but industries that rely heavily on carbon and natural resources will see job losses. For instance, implementing the Paris Climate Agenda could create 24 million new jobs, but the transition to a greener economy could see 6 million workers losing their jobs.
Demographics and Social Protection
Demographic changes, such as expanding youth populations in some areas and ageing populations in others, can exert pressure on labour markets and social security systems. However, these shifts also offer new opportunities for creating care and inclusive active societies.
The ILO highlights the need for a robust and effective social protection system that supports people’s needs throughout their lives. These systems should be based on principles of solidarity and risk sharing.
Facts About Global Labour Situation
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Global Unemployment | 190 million people |
| Workers in Extreme Poverty | 300 million workers |
| New Jobs from Paris Climate Agenda | 24 million potential jobs |
| Jobs Lost to Green Economy | 6 million estimated jobs |
Recommendations and Future Measures
The ILO report provides various recommendations for a brighter future and to ensure economic security, equal opportunity, and social justice. This includes the introduction of a universal labour guarantee that protects fundamental workers’ rights, providing an adequate living wage, setting limits on work hours, and ensuring safe and healthy workplaces.
Other suggestions include guaranteed social protection from birth to old age, a universal entitlement to lifelong learning, managing technological change to boost decent work, increased investments in the care, green and rural economies and developing the rural economy. It also recommends reshaping business incentives to favour long-term investments and placing people at the centre of economic and social policy.
The International Labour Organization and the Gig Economy
Established in 1919, the ILO aims to promote social justice and contribute towards universal and lasting peace. It is responsible for developing and overseeing international labour standards. The ILO is unique as it brings together representatives of governments, employers, and workers to shape policies and programmes promoting decent work for all. The ILO suggests that an international governance system should be established to regulate the gig economy, ensuring that digital labour platforms such as Uber and Swiggy respect certain minimum rights and protections.
According to the ILO, the gig economy is a free market system where temporary positions are commonplace and organizations contract with independent workers for short-term engagements. This sector of the economy needs regulation and oversight to ensure the rights and protections of these temporary workers are upheld.
