Welcome to the United Nations
The 2030 Agenda is premised on the recognition of a mutual dependence of environmental, economic and social sustainability. Together with the Paris Climate Agreement and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, it provides the framework for achieving sustainable, more equal and resilient societies. The perspective of workers and trade unions is aligned with this holistic vision, as well as with the need to ensure a rights-based approach, with international labour standards guaranteed for all and decent work as requisites for achieving sustainable development. Furthermore, upholding freedom of association and collective bargaining rights and supporting social dialogue (between workers’ and employers’ representative organisations and governments) for all workers as a governance instrument not only delivers progress for working people and societies at large but is also a pillar of functional democracies and sustainable development.
New forces are transforming the world of work, such as technological advances and the greening of our economies, which will bring new job opportunities. But those who lose their jobs in this transition may be the least equipped to seize the new opportunities.
Forging this new path requires committed action on the part of governments as well as from employers’ groups and trade unions. Just Transition is a critical pillar in this process, premised on an inclusive approach that brings together workers, communities, employers and governments in social dialogue towards concrete plans, policies and investments needed for a fast and fair transformation towards a low-carbon economy and the transition towards the industrial revolution 4.0. Such a process should lead to a reinvigorated social contract that gives working people a just share of economic progress, respect for their rights, decent work and protection against risk in return for their continuing contribution to the economy.
The trade union movement calls for a New Social Contract for governments, business and workers, with a Universal Labour Guarantee that provides a protection floor for all workers. This means rights and women’s equality are respected, jobs are decent with minimum living wages and collective bargaining, workers have some control over working time, social protection coverage is universal, due diligence and accountability drive business operations, and social dialogue ensures Just Transition measures for climate, technology and displacement.
