Statement by H.E. Mr. Jerry Matthews Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations during the launch of the Global Commission on The Future of Work Report
31 January 2019
Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,
It is my honour to welcome you here today for this special event to mark the UN launch of the Report of the ILO Global Commission on the Future of Work. The Global Commission was established by the ILO Director-General, Mr Guy Ryder and Co-chaired by my President H.E. Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa and H.E. Mr. Stefan Löfven, Prime Minister of Sweden with the mandate to identify the key challenges for the future of work, and make recommendations on how these can be managed in order to create the best future for the greatest number of people.
By now it is well known that labour markets are rapidly transforming primarily due to technological advancements, climate change, demographic shifts and globalization. Working lives have always involved change, but technology, demographic changes and the transition to a low-carbon economy mean changes come more quickly and more often. Over the past 18 months, the Commission has diligently analysed the driving forces of change and proposed recommendations for ensuring a human-centred agenda that strengthens the social contract. A critical aspect of the report emphasizes that technology should be harnessed to create the world of work we want, rather than allowing it to shape us. In other words, it calls for a ‘human-in-command’ approach. This proposed agenda consists of three pillars of action, which in combination would drive growth, equity and sustainability for present and future generations.
The first pillar of a new social contract involves increasing investments in the capabilities of people. This means much more than simply investing in human capital. It means looking at what is necessary for human development more broadly – factors such as rights, access and opportunities. To get us there, the Commission proposes formal recognition of a universal entitlement to lifelong learning and the setting-up of related systems. If people are to benefit from, rather than be constricted by, new technology and new opportunities, they need to re-skill and up-skill throughout their lives. As a compliment, the Commission proposes a system of entitlements to training, funded by reformed ‘employment insurance’ or ‘social funds’. A strong lifelong learning system will enable workers to assume responsibility for their own learning and skills, will encourage them to take the time and risk to train, and help employers find the workers they need.
Moreover, if people are to thrive, we must also undertake transformative, measurable steps to make gender equality a reality. These should include gender equality in child care and family responsibilities; more transparency in pay, including mandatory reporting; eliminating violence and harassment in the workplace; and specific measures to ensure equal opportunities, particularly in the technology sector. Underpinning all of these issues is the assurance of universal, life-long social protection, including a basic social protection floor, complemented by contributory social protection schemes.
The second pillar focuses on increasing investment in the institutions of work. From regulations and employment contracts to collective agreements and labour inspection systems, these institutions are the building blocks of Social Justice. The report proposes that this be done by establishing a Universal Labour Guarantee through a strong rights based approach but also a set of basic working conditions that provide a living wage, limits work hours and upholds standards for safety and health at work. It also proposes new measures for ‘time sovereignty’, to give workers greater control over the hours and times they work. A core part of this pillar is to revitalize collective representation and social dialogue to respond to current working practices as a social good.
The third pillar of the report’s human-centred agenda is investment in decent and sustainable work. The major economic shifts under way – involving new technologies, demographic upheaval and climate change – will have both disruptive and transformative effects on our economies and on work. Targeted private and public sector investment, coupled with the right technology, can create millions of new, decent, sustainable, jobs in the green economy, the care economy, infrastructure development and rural areas.
Finally, the report recommends reshaping the incentive structures that guide business activity, to encourage long-term, responsible investment in the ‘real’ economy. Since GDP alone is an insufficient indicator of success, this proposal entails the adoption of additional indicators for measuring progress, including those that capture environmental impact, unpaid work, equality and other aspects of human well-being.
With 100 years of experience in world-of-work issues, the ILO is well placed to serve as the focal point for shaping the future of work strategies.
I personally look forward to continuing the dialogue on these recommendations here at the UN to realize a human-centred approach to shaping the Future of Work.
Thank you.
Rev. Friday, 01-Feb-2019 10:35 AM