Brazil and United States Presidents Unveil Groundbreaking Partnership for Workers’ Rights

In a historic move, the Presidents of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and the United States, Joe Biden, came together in New York on Wednesday, September 20th, to announce the launch of the Partnership for Workers’ Rights. This unprecedented collaboration between the two nations is dedicated to advancing the cause of decent work, encompassing improved wages, expanded rights, and enhanced opportunities, while fiercely combatting discrimination against women, ethnic minorities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Under this initiative, Brazil and the United States are committed to working closely with labor unions and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), drawing inspiration from the founding principles of the Global Coalition for Work. They also aspire to involve other G20 countries and global partners in a collective effort to foster inclusive, sustainable, and widely shared development. The overarching goal is to ensure that economic growth benefits all and leaves no one behind.

High-ranking representatives from both governments, along with the ILO, underscored the pivotal role played by trade union centers from both countries in making this agreement a reality. The signing of the bilateral agreement and the launch of the partnership with the International Labour Organisation were attended by the Presidents of Brazil’s six trade union centers and representatives of the AFL-CIO.

In a joint statement, the leaders of Brazil and the United States reaffirmed their shared commitment to workers’ rights and the promotion of decent work. They acknowledged that the foundation of their countries has been built by the dedication of working people who contribute to essential infrastructure, critical services, education, elder care, and technological advancement. Workers and their trade unions have tirelessly fought for workplace protections, economic fairness, and societal democracy, which are integral to the dynamic economies and sustainable world envisioned for future generations.

Amidst the complexities of global challenges, ranging from climate change to rising poverty and economic inequality, the leaders emphasized the need to prioritize workers in policy solutions. They pledged to stand alongside workers, empowering them to drive the innovation required to secure a prosperous future.

Today, the United States and Brazil jointly announce the launch of a global initiative to elevate the central and critical role that working people play in building a sustainable, democratic, equitable, and peaceful world. The leaders highlighted their shared commitment to addressing critical issues such as economic inequality, safeguarding workers’ rights, combating discrimination, and ensuring a just and clean energy transition. Promoting decent work is seen as a fundamental pillar in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, they expressed concern for the impacts of digitalization and the professional use of artificial intelligence on the world of work.

This new initiative aims to expand ambition and strengthen partnerships to tackle five urgent challenges facing workers worldwide:

1. Protecting Workers’ Rights: This involves upholding the International Labour Organization’s core conventions, empowering workers, and putting an end to worker exploitation, including forced labor and child labor.
2. Promoting Safe and Healthy Work: Ensuring accountability in both public and private investments, and advocating for decent working conditions.
3. Advancing Worker-Centered Clean Energy Transition: Prioritizing workers in the transition to clean energy and sustainable practices.
4. Leveraging Technology for All: Making technology and digital transitions accessible and beneficial to all workers.
5. Combating Workplace Discrimination: Particularly addressing discrimination against women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and marginalized racial and ethnic groups, while promoting diversity and inclusivity in the workforce.

Brazil and the United States intend to collaborate extensively with their respective governments and union partners to address these pressing issues in the coming year. They envisage a shared agenda to discuss with other G20 countries and at key international conferences.

The leaders warmly welcome the support and participation of labor leaders from their nations, global organizations, and the International Labour Organisation, and extend an invitation to other partners and allies to join in this collective effort. Together, they aspire to create a sustainable economy founded on shared prosperity and the upholding of workers’ dignity and rights.