Geneva, June 9, 2026: Addressing the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Geneva, Organisational Secretary of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), Bojji Surendran, highlighted India’s achievements in social security coverage, the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, concerns regarding labour migration, and the need to uphold workers’ dignity in the changing world of work.
Delivering his address, he said, “On behalf of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), India’s largest National Trade Union Centre, I extend warm greetings and fraternal solidarity to all delegates participating in the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference”.
“Home to nearly one-fifth of humanity, India today stands at the forefront of global economic transformation. This progress has been powered by the dedication, skill, and resilience of millions of workers whose contributions continue to drive both national development and global economic growth”, he said.
He noted, “I am pleased to share that India has been awarded global recognition for attaining the world’s highest social security coverage for workers, with 64% of the workforce now covered under various social security schemes. The award was presented by the International Social Security Association (ISSA) at the World Social Security Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia”.
He further said, “At a time when global unemployment is projected to remain stable at 4.9%, the persistence of global job gaps affecting more than 400 million people serves as a stark reminder that employment alone is not enough. The international community must focus equally on creating quality jobs that ensure decent wages, social protection, occupational safety, and opportunities for skills development”.
Referring to global uncertainties, he said, “The ongoing tensions and conflicts in West Asia are causing serious concern among workers worldwide. For countries such as India, these developments affect labour mobility, overseas employment opportunities, remittance flows, supply chains, and the sustainability of micro, small and medium enterprises. In a conflict-ridden world, we recognise the increasing role of trade unions in promoting peaceful dialogue, policy interventions, deliberating durable solutions and building confidence among the people”.
“Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh appreciates the leadership of the Director-General of the ILO, Gilbert F. Houngbo, and welcomes his report, ‘A Moment of Choice: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Decent Work.’ The basic approach should be that ‘new technologies and AI are to assist humans and not to replace them”, he said.
He further emphasised, “The principle of fair treatment, dignity, and respect must extend to every category of worker, including those engaged in the rapidly expanding platform and gig economy. In this context, we appreciate the efforts of the Government of India and some of the State Governments in extending social security protections to gig and platform workers. These measures represent important steps towards ensuring that no worker is left behind in the digital economy”.
“DG, ILO has reiterated that ‘Labour is not a commodity’. BMS strongly feels that labour is the Human Capital. But the oxymoron term ‘Labour Market’ is the focal point for all maladies affecting labour, including ‘Hire & Fire’. We appeal to all member countries to refrain from using this term and to replace it with an appropriate, dignified term, such as ‘Labour force’,” he said.
Highlighting migration-related concerns, he added, “Labour migration, both internal and cross-border, remains a significant global concern. Migrant workers frequently encounter vulnerabilities arising from insecure employment arrangements, inadequate social protection, and weak enforcement mechanisms. Ensuring decent work, safe migration, portability of benefits, and equal treatment remain a collective responsibility of governments, employers, and workers’ organisations worldwide”.
“Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh reaffirms its unwavering commitment to building a future of work that is just, inclusive, resilient, and human-centred. As we navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by technological transformation, demographic change, and global economic uncertainty, let us work together to ensure that innovation serves humanity, that growth benefits all, and that every worker enjoys dignity, security, and social justice,” he further added.
Concluding his address, he said, “With solidarity and shared resolve, let us advance the ILO’s noble mission of promoting decent work in the world of work.”
