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The conclusions of their summit sent a very strong message to governments, business and the general public that renewed efforts are required to push creation of decent jobs and support workers and their families affected by unemployment and precarious employment.



UNI General Secretary Philip Jennings, who participated in the summit, said, “We put out our call with passion to snap governments out of their complacency and put a human face on the crisis.”



After two days of discussion, which were hosted by the French Minister of Labour Xavier Bertrand, conclusions were adopted that called for:



- setting jobs as the top priority

- active labour market policies for young people and vulnerable groups

- strengthening social protection by establishing general protection floors as an “investment” in social justice

- promoting labour rights, which include the core ILO conventions on the right to organise and negotiate

- cohesion between global institutions to promote the social dimension of globalization



Jennings said, “At a time of continuing financial frenzy and ever more shrill calls for austerity, the conclusions are a sign that the tide is turning for more responsible solutions to the financial crisis. It is a message that ministers of finance must heed.”



The G20 Labour Ministers have established an emergency group on employment. The global unions now will go about seeking the implementation of the conclusions. A global unions summit will take place alongside the G20 summit in Cannes.



Click on "Related Files" to read the Labour Ministers' conclusions.