Social security, labour migration to top discussions at first L-20 meeting

Social security for workers, especially those belonging to the unorganised sector, is going to be at the centre of discussions at the first Labour 20 (L-20) meeting, scheduled to begin in Amritsar on March 19.

L-20 is one of the engagement groups under G- 20 which provides analyses and policy recommendations aimed at addressing global labour-related issues.

Apart from social security, labour migration and gender equality among the working class are also scheduled to feature in discussions, among other things. The two-day meet will feature leaders and representatives of trade union centres of G-20 countries and other guest countries, sources familiar with the development told Business Standard.

Hiranmany Pandya, president, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) says that after the Covid-19 pandemic, the need for a social security cover for workers around the globe has become more pronounced, especially for daily wagers and in the informal sector. Hence, it is expected to remain at the top of the agenda in the discussions.

“Moreover, the migration of labourers across borders and within the country for better opportunities and wages has grown manifold in the last couple of decades owing to technological advancements and capital flows. Besides, the challenges that women workers face in their movement and progress will also be highlighted," said Pandya.

Pandya will be leading the Indian trade union centre in organising the L-20 inception meeting. The inception meeting will be followed by an L-20 summit in June before the G-20 labour ministers meeting in the latter part of the year.

Last year, the G-20 labour ministers meeting in Indonesia focused on the promotion of responsive and robust policies relating to employment generation, social protection, skilling and formalisation in the post-pandemic period for ensuring a more resilient, equitable and sustainable recovery.

Meanwhile, the representatives of other national trade unions have expressed their displeasure on the appointment of BMS to lead the Indian delegation with 10 central trade unions collectively writing to the Labour Ministry last month, raising objections to the unilateral decision of the government to appoint BMS as the Indian delegate.

“[It] is our firm opinion that L-20 from the Indian side should be chaired by the person heading the organisation having the confidence of the majority of the entire trade union movement and a member of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)”, the letter reads.