UNI Global Union highlights link between defending democracy and demanding decent work

The rise of artificial intelligence is also affecting workers. Many employers see workers mainly as inputs rather than active participants in decision-making about technology adoption. UNI Global Union and its member organizations are advocating for greater transparency, collective bargaining rights, and democratic oversight when new technologies like AI are introduced at work. As Christy Hoffman recently told Brookings: “workers must have a seat at the bargaining table if digital change is to serve people, not just profit.”

This year has seen notable examples of worker solidarity. Dialysis staff in the Philippines have brought attention to labor abuses at Fresenius Medical Care. Postal workers are striking to protect public services. In Ireland, remote employees at Teleperformance secured collective bargaining rights through union action.

Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union said: “The fight for decent work and the fight for democracy are one and the same. When workers organize, they challenge corporate control, resist authoritarianism and push back against those who would silence us. Never has that been more important in my lifetime than now.”

The ITUC is focusing attention on the upcoming World Social Summit as an opportunity to advocate for shifting military spending toward public investment in areas such as living wages and universal social protection—aiming to create societies where decent work can thrive.

Luc Triangle, General Secretary of ITUC stated: “We are witnessing a billionaire coup against democracy. The people who profit from war, repression and inequality are now using their wealth and influence to control our economies, our governments and our futures.”

More information on ITUC’s efforts to defend democracy while demanding decent work can be found online.