BRICS Trade Union Forum to prioritise AI governance and inclusive policies

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

The Indian Chairmanship of the BRICS Trade Union Forum has proposed an ambitious agenda aimed at addressing the rapidly changing world of work, with a strong emphasis on universal social security, responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), skill development, and gender-inclusive labour policies.

According to an issue note released ahead of the forum, technological advancements are playing an increasingly decisive role in determining labour market outcomes. However, the document underlines that the impact of technology varies across countries depending on factors such as demographic trends, historical experiences, social institutions, and economic policies.

The proposals come at a time when technological transformation, demographic shifts, and evolving employment patterns are reshaping labour markets across BRICS nations. The forum notes that despite significant economic progress, inequality, unemployment, and informality continue to remain major concerns across BRICS countries. Informal employment remains particularly high in several member nations, while the rapid expansion of platform-based and other non-standard forms of employment has intensified calls for universal social security coverage.

As part of the discussions under India's Chairmanship, the BRICS Trade Union Forum has proposed four key themes for deliberation. The first is "Universalization of Social Security and International Portability," aimed at advancing cooperation on cross-border social security benefits and portability for migrant workers within BRICS countries. The second proposed theme is "Human-Centric Technology and Responsible Governance of AI in the Workplace," reflecting growing concerns over the impact of artificial intelligence and automation on employment and working conditions.

The third agenda item focuses on "The Role of Trade Unions in Driving Skill Development for Addressing Skill Shortages and Surpluses." The proposal seeks to position trade unions as active partners in designing worker-centric training systems capable of supporting AI-driven industries while addressing demographic and labour market imbalances across member countries. The fourth discussion theme, "Women and the Future of Work," seeks to reinforce the BRICS commitment to building more inclusive labour markets by promoting equal opportunities, expanding women's workforce participation, and ensuring gender-responsive labour policies in the face of rapid technological and economic change.

Recognising the critical role of trade unions in managing labour transitions, the issue note describes them as key stakeholders in promoting workers' interests, strengthening social dialogue, supporting universal and portable social security systems, encouraging responsible governance of AI, and ensuring that digitalisation enhances rather than weakens labour rights.