The presidents of the United States, Joe Biden, and from Brazil, Lula da Silvalaunched this Wednesday the Association for Workers’ Rightsin what represents an unprecedented political agreement in defense of the labor movement, the role of unions and global fight for decent work. This is a new rapprochement between Washington and Brasilia after differences over Ukraine.
In a meeting held in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Lula, founder of Party of the Workers yy former metallurgical union member maintained that this agreement with Biden can set the course to discuss 21st century labor relationsciting, for example, the work of digital platforms with workers without union protection treated as “slaves”, artificial intelligence and the energy transition.
“There is no democracy without a strong union. Because the union is effectively the one who speaks for the worker to try to defend their rights”said the Brazilian president, who recalled that he proposed the association with the United States for decent work after Biden, In his inauguration speech, he said that American workers had been the true builders of the nation.
Lula and Biden This Wednesday they launched a joint manifesto in which they defend the need to “put workers at the center of political decisions”during a meeting in New York that according to Lula, because it is a novel agenda, is part of the “rebirth” of relations between both countries.
The Association aims to defense of decent work and the fight against job insecurity and child labor. It is also committed to promoting the responsibility of investors and fighting discrimination in the workplace. This is a non-binding agreement that other countries could join in the future.
“This is more than a bilateral agreement, it is the rebirth of a new era in the relationship between Brazil and the United States, a relationship between equals, sovereigns, of common interest,” added Da Silva.to which Biden responded that both countries have the “obligation to lead” the next generations towards a world with better opportunities.
“The two largest democracies in the Western Hemisphere are defending human rights around the world and in the hemisphere, and that includes workers’ rights”Biden told Lula.
What the Association for Workers’ Rights proposes
According to Declaration of the Association for Workers’ Rights signed by Lula and Biden, both governments affirm their mutual commitment to workers’ rights and the promotion of decent work.
“Workers built our countries, from our most basic infrastructure and critical services, to the education of our young, the care of our elderly, and our most advanced technologies. Workers and their unions have fought for protections in the workplace, justice in the economy and democracy in our societies; “are at the heart of the dynamic economies and healthy, sustainable world we seek to build for our children,” the statement said.
Calls for Brazil and the United States to “putting workers at the center of our political solutions.”
“The United States and Brazil announce the launch of our global initiative together to elevate the central and critical role that workers play in a sustainable, democratic, equitable and peaceful world,” says the text, which highlights the protection established in the International Labor Organization (ILO).
The initiative is also proposed “promote safe, healthy and decent work, and accountability in public and private investment; worker-centered approaches to digital and clean energy transitions; harness technology for the benefit of all; and (5) combat discrimination in the workplace.”
The director of the International Labor Organization (ILO), Gilbert Houngbo, also participated in the meeting.
Winks between Lula and Biden
Lula, Founder of the Workers’ Party, he forged his political career as a metallurgical union leader and that condition positioned him to carry out this agenda with Biden, which for Brazilian diplomacy meant a victory for removing Ukraine from Washington-Brasilia bilateral relations.
At one point in the speech, Biden applauded Lula upon hearing him say that “work is precarious” and that Biden’s proposal towards the world of work to strengthen unions is a “perfect combination” to bring the issue to the G-20.
Lula also made Biden smile when he cited the strike by automobile factory workers in the United States. which began last Friday and said that its Minister of Labor, Luiz Marinho, met with the UAW, the union leading the strike.
Lula also cited clean energy, such as biofuels and green hydrogen, as investment opportunities in Brazil, and said he expected greater investments from the United States.
Source: Ambito
