Davos, 18 January 2024 (TDI): The US Secretary of State addressed the Global Labor Union Leaders at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on January 16. The WEF meeting of 2024 kicked off on January 15 and will run till January 19, aiming to rebuild trust in a ruptured world.
According to the US spokesperson Matthew Miller, The US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Global Labor Union leaders at the WEF meeting in Davos. The leaders discussed US President Joe Biden’s Global Labor Directive. The Secretary underscored the importance of advancing labor rights and raising global labor standards. Resultantly, it would be more sustainable and produce inclusive economies.
Moreover, the leaders emphasized their shared commitment to ensure that workers’ voices are heard and included in global policymaking. Additionally, this will advance worker empowerment and rights around the world.
Furthermore, there are four key areas where employers can have powerful impact on lives of labors, employees. These are protecting workers from Financial Vulnerability
- Promoting healthy aging in the workforce
- Enabling longer worker careers
- Addressing the inequalities and existing barriers that are persisting
Blinken’s official meetings at the WEF 2024
During 4 days of the Davos Meeting 2024, the US Secretary of State met with various global leaders. The Secretary discussed the ongoing crisis in Gaza, including life saving work by the UNRWA. Moreover, he discussed the multilateral response to repeated Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and rising gang violence in Haiti.
In addition, the Secretary met with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and expressed his appreciation for the efforts put in by the UNSC General in addressing numerous world challenges while acknowledging partnership between US and UN.
Also Read: WEF gathers world leaders
Global Labor Union
The Global Labor Union brings together workers from 150 different countries in the service economy to win better jobs and better lives. The UNI helps workers build power by growing union through organizing and expansion. Moreover, to hold accountable corporations and governments to workers.
In addition, the UNI is stressing on a shift in power from multinational corporations to cleaners, care workers, postal employees, IT specialist, professional athletes, printers, cashiers, and millions others by representing them all.
The union believes that it is vital for ensuring that democratic workplaces will eventually lead to democratic societies.
Reportedly, the Union has long fought for the implementation of new technologies that respects workers and upholds safe work and compensation. The work councils are making same demands with respect to Artificial Intelligence (AI).
In a newly issued Executive Order on AI, the US President Joe Biden acknowledged that all workers need a seat at the table, including collective bargaining for ensuring benefit from these opportunities.
UNI General Secretary at WEF
According to the UNI General-Secretary Christy Hoffman at WEF said, “AI is rapidly reshaping the world of work, unions are more crucial now than before.
The General-Secretary stated that this year’s theme is ‘Rebuilding Trust’. It will include artificial intelligence poised to change the world. The WEF has called AI-generated misinformation the biggest short-term threat.
Moreover, the US Secretary Blinken reiterated the importance of soil and stated that without good soil, crops are bound to fail, prices rise and people go hungry. He reaffirmed to treat soil as a precious treasure while underscoring collaboration to protect soil and rebuild resilient food systems. Resultantly, this will lead to enduring sustainable agriculture and labor unions.
The US Secretary Blinken while addressing to the Labor Union said, “US Government has devoted $17.5 billion to provide vital sustenance to the people in need. In addition, the US funds over one third of the World Food Program Budget in WEF.”
