A regional conference for African trade unions, under the theme: The New Social Contract for Social Justice-An African Trade Union Perspective starts today in Windhoek.
The Conference brings together senior trade union leaders and technical officials, governments and employers' representatives, as well as academia from across the African continent.
High level guests including his excellency Mr Utoni Nujoma, Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment from the Republic of Namibia, attended the opening of the Conference.
Trade unions play a pivotal role in advocating for inclusive economic policies and a just transition, and this conference aims to empower them with the knowledge and tools needed to shape the new social contract and promote decent work and social justice across Africa.
Organised by the ILO's Bureau for Workers' Activities (ACTRAV), the conference provides a platform for regional dialogue among trade unions, governments, employers' representatives, and academia on the evolving social contract in the context of changing economic, social and environmental impacts.
"The African continent is undergoing significant political and economic transformation, driven by changing patterns in globalization, rapid technological advancements, and the ongoing climate crisis. We hope that this Conference will stimulate reflection on the urgent need for a new social contract that considers the needs of all workers, particularly those in vulnerable situations. This is why the success of the development and implementation of a new social contact, depends on social dialogue and the inclusion of independent and representative workers' and employers' organisations", said Maria Helena ANDRE, Director of the ILO's Bureau for Workers' Activities (ACTRAV).
During two days, participants will examine the current social contract and define key elements for a labour led new social contract that is inclusive of all; - through decent work and social protection.
About the New Social Contract
The concept of a "new social contract" emerges as a framework to redefine state-society relations. It provides an opportunity to take stock of the existing social contract between the state and its people, and to assess whether it is on the one hand adapting to the transformation changes, and on the other is inclusive enough to cover all, particularly those in vulnerable situations.
Technological change, particularly the rise of digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and automation, is reshaping the nature of work across Africa. While these advancements offer opportunities for flexibility and autonomy, they also contribute to precarious employment conditions, job insecurity, and income inequality.
Thus, this new social contract should aim to ensure social progress, justice, and inclusivity in all aspects of social and economic life. It should conceivably emphasise the crucial role of the labour market in aligning economic, social, and employment priorities to ensure everyone benefits from economic development through decent work and social protection.
