Minister of Labour, Employment and the Social and Solidarity Economy, Nicolas Schmit, stressed the fundamental role of social dialogue as part of the digital transformation currently underway, at the 105th Session of the International Labour Conference.
Before an audience of delegates from governments and social partners of the Member States of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Minister Schmit compared current challenges to those met in the aftermath of the World War, indicating a 'make or break' period and stating: "In effect, we are living in a time of great ruptures which carries opportunities as it does considerable risks."
In his speech, the Minister particularly highlighted the role of the ILO and social dialogue within the context of digital transformation: "The digital revolution should not become synonymous with insecurity through new platforms that put million of people globally into competition, without social rights and without security. It is these new social risks that must be addressed in a kind of new digital deal in the image of the new deal for industrial sociey."
He called for the ILO to become the key driver in promoting a new social agenda for the 21st century which would be more peaceful, fairer and more humane. Minister Schmit sais social dialogue "must serve these objectives", warning "the digital economy calls for new rules".
(Photo not of ILO Conference)
