Trade unions boycott G-20 meet over BMS appointment
Context:
The Labour20 (L-20), a gathering of trade unions from G-20 nations, which got underway in Patna on Thursday, has been boycotted by about ten Central Trade Unions (CTUs).
The Centre’s choice to name the RSS-backed trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) as the L-20’s head has angered the unions.
Labour 20 (L20)
The L20 is a G20 outreach organisation that speaks up for workers’ issues at the G20 level.
It brings together trade unions from G20 nations and Global Unions, giving them a forum for cooperation and speaking out on behalf of workers’ demands and concerns.
The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the Trade Union Advisory Committee to the OECD (TUAC) are the two significant organisations that organise the L20.
Its main goal is to inform the G20 meetings of the messages and stances of the worldwide labour movement on global affairs.
The Employment Working Group, Sherpas, Labour and Finance Ministers, as well as other G20 bodies, are regular contacts for the L20.
The L20 hopes to influence conversations and policies pertaining to workers’ rights and social justice by taking part in these exchanges and contributing ideas to the G20 Summits.
Trade union leaders from the world’s greatest economies can directly influence the direction of global economic agendas thanks to the L20, which serves as a link between them and international trade unions.
Trade unions can use it as a tool to advance workers’ interests within the G20 framework and make sure that their opinions are heard during deliberations.
The L20 works on topics including job creation, labour standards, and income inequality. It also makes policy proposals, promotes social discussion, and fights for fair and decent employment.
The L20 seeks to advance equitable and sustainable economic growth that benefits workers and promotes social cohesion through its involvement with the G20.
Priorities of L20
scaling up youth employment and excellent apprenticeships,
ensuring the participation of women,
ensuring the formalisation of work through global standards for minimum pay, labour rights, and social protection,
ensuring safe and secure jobs while eradicating slavery and illegal labour from supply networks,
achieving tax equity, sustainable, green, and inclusive growth,
Supporting the social debate to ensure industrial transformation and the implementation of climate action through a global accord with just transition guarantees,
ensuring equitable income distribution, reinstating banking sector regulation, and
ensuring the fulfilment of G20 promises made in the past and present
Reason behind the boycott
Ten Central Trade Unions (CTUs) have made the decision to abstain from the L-20 conference because they are unhappy with the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh’s (BMS) selection to serve as chair. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is in favour of the BMS.
The International Trade Unions Confederation (ITUC), according to the CTUs, presided over L-20 sessions in the past, and the BMS isn’t an ITUC member.
The Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) requested to chair the L-20 as well, but the Centre denied their request, claiming that the BMS is India’s largest trade union.
