Trade unions know that building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable industrialisation and fostering innovation can be game changers for reducing poverty and inequalities. But for this to happen, investments in infrastructure and industry need to be based on human rights and development needs, reduce dependency on foreign products in crucial sectors (such as food, energy and medicines) and provide decent jobs with minimum living wages.

Micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises can contribute to employment creation but need to guarantee formalisation of the informal economy.

As innovation and rapid digitalisation are leading to new forms of work, skills development and life-long learning are needed to leave no worker behind. We must also recognise that access to a high quality and affordable internet connection is a basic right, and advocate for legislation to protect data privacy and the rights of home-based, platform, and remote workers

“Sustainable industrial policies with clean energy transition will not only meet the challenges of the climate crisis but also create good, union jobs that will benefit local communities for generations to come. In order for all working people to feel a part of this transition, workers need to be at the table to lead innovation that serves social progress and the environment.” Liz Shuler, President of the AFL-CIO, USA.