UNI Americas ICTS Conference discusses digital age challenges

Maricarmen Llamas, President of UNI Americas ICTS, urged unions to better communicate their efforts: “We’re so focused on building power from the ground up that we sometimes forget to tell our story. Unions are not bystanders — we are protagonists. It’s important to show the world what we do and why our role is key to transforming working conditions.”

The conference discussions addressed artificial intelligence's impact on jobs, workplace violence (both internal and external), outsourcing trends, mental health in contact centers, and building more diverse and resilient unions. Panels highlighted challenges like high turnover and excessive surveillance but also noted union advances such as a new union in El Salvador and growth in Jamaica.

“Trade union struggle is also a struggle for democracy,” stated Marcio Monzane, UNI Americas Regional Secretary. “When unions stand up to multinationals to demand rights, they’re not just defending wages — they’re defending a fairer future.”

Union leadership approved an action plan for the next four years and elected Daniel Rodríguez as President of UNI Americas ICTS. Rodríguez stated: “We take on this responsibility with commitment and a forward-looking vision. The digital revolution must not be used as an excuse for precariousness — it’s a chance to strengthen rights, ensure decent jobs, and build more inclusive, better-prepared unions.” He added that despite profound changes in the ICTS sector there is collective strength and unity among trade unions.