World of work undergoing a major process of change: DG ILO

Describing technology, differentiated demographic dividend, climate change and globalization as the mega drivers of change on the work front, Director General International Labour Organisation, Guy Ryder emphasized the need for collective responses and solutions by all stakeholders to adapt to the future of work.

Delivering a special address at a 'National Tripartite Dialogue on Future of Work: Challenges and Opportunities' organized by FICCI in partnership with International Labour Organisation (ILO), Ryder said that as the world of work was undergoing a major process of change.

There were several forces transforming it. In order to understand and to respond effectively to these new challenges 'Future of Work' initiative was launched.

Ryder said that in 2016 all ILO members States were invited to undertake national 'future of work' dialogues structured around four 'centenary conversations' - Work and society; Decent jobs for all; The organization of work and production; and The governance of work.

He added that the national dialogue has been stimulated in almost 130 member countries of ILO, including India.

He believes that India is the fastest growing economy, largest democracy and the youngest nation; hence the success of India in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals would spell success for the world. India needed to integrate women in its workforce and there was a need for formalizing the unorganized sector of India, which constituted more than 90 percent of the workforce.

He added that the issue of poverty in India also needed greater attention.

"The technology had disrupted the nature of work and was changing the nature of jobs, employees, enterprises and governance. The government understood the importance of bringing the poor of the poorest into the mainstream for sustainable growth," said Secretary, Labour and Employment Government of India and Member, ILO Governing Body, Shankar Aggarwal.

He added that there was a need to provide workers with decent jobs and an opportunity to live with dignity.

Speaking on gender equality, Chairperson FICCI Taskforce on Labour Reforms and Former Member Secretary, Planning Commission, Sudha Pillai said that India was witnessing a serious concern as the number of women in the labor force was declining, which was an alarming trend. She added that there as a need to frame policies that would promote and encourage women to join the workforce.