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UNI's interventions at the OECD, the ILO, the WEF and the EU are paying off. The G20 adopts declaration that fully supports our key demands for the Future World of Work. The EU is upping its game too

UNI Global Union has for a long time cut across all discussions concerning social rights and the rise of non-standard employment. We have firmly demanded that all workers, in all forms of employment, should have the same social and fundamental rights. Nothing less. We have also demanded that all workers, in all forms of employment should have the rights and access to continuous re- and upskilling.

Whilst these demands were initially received by a few raised eyebrows, for UNI's General Secretary, Philip Jennings, they are the only, sustainable and logical way forward. Jennings explains:

"Let’s not get bogged down in endless academic discussions on what type of workers work where. All workers deserve the same rights.

"Our suggestions meet the fluidity of the future of work with a strong demand for security and rights for all. By demanding that all workers have the same rights, and not a quasi-mix of this or that, we also disincentivise corporations from firing employees and rehiring them as contractual workers or self-employed. Let’s not get bogged down in endless academic discussions on what type of workers work where. All workers deserve the same rights. All workers must have access to re- and upskilling. Our companies must contribute. Our institutions must change. Rights must be portable across employments forms. Let’s put an end to this silo distinction between an employee and the self-employed.

Now the G20 and the EU are mirroring our demands for the rights of workers, a just transition, access for all workers to lifelong learning and a revamp of social security systems including an opening towards portable benefits.

Jennings comments:

"All of this is music to my ears. We are witnessing foul attempts by many platforms and companies to erode quality jobs and social dialogue. Just look  at the tribunal in London. It will determine the employment status of Deliveroo riders. Deliveroo appears with 8 suited and booted lawyers, claiming its riders prefer the flexibility of the gig economy over the benefits of being employed . What nonsense!  Across the world, companies are union bashing and exploiting workers. This has to stop. The G20 declaration firmly acknowledges that policies are needed to ensure a fair, just and sustainable world of work. Their commitments and acknowledgements are calling these foul practices out. We, the union movement, stand ready to engage in constructive, innovative solutions, and new partnerships."

See article describing positive moves and UNI's call to action in 'related files' and visit FWOW website