Labour 20 group adopts joint statements on universalisation of social security, women empowerment

The Labour 20 group, the body advocating labour related issues to the G20, on Friday adopted two joint statements, one on the universalisation of social security and its portability and another on empowering women in the future of work, the ministry of labour and employment said.

L20 is a group of trade unions of 20 nations and Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh has chaired its meetings in India, as part of India’s G20 presidency.

Speaking at the valedictory session at the end of the two-day L20 meeting in Patna, labour and employment minister Bhupender Yadav called for a comprehensive and forward-looking social security policies that take into account the evolving nature of work.


“Governments, employers, trade unions and international organizations must collaborate to ensure that social security systems are inclusive, adaptable, and accessible to all,” he said.

“This may involve expanding the coverage of social security to encompass informal and gig and platform workers, implementing portable benefits that follow individuals across jobs and leveraging technology to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of social security administration,” he added.

According to the statement, issued by the labour ministry, minister Yadav said a changing work environment characterized by technological advancements, globalization, and evolving labour markets has significant implications for employment and hence the need for adequate social security provisions.

Speaking on gender equality, minister Yadav said it is crucial to focus on skilling, up-skilling and reskilling women and enabling their active participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) -related fields and technology-intensive industries in order to fully harness their potential.

“By equipping women with the necessary skills and knowledge, we can ensure their meaningful engagement in the evolving job market and promote gender parity,” he said.

“Outcomes of the L20 summit will play a pivotal role in realizing our objective of advancing decent work, with a particular emphasis on women while ensuring equitable and enduring social protection for all in the times ahead,” he added.