The second Labour 20 (L20) Meeting took place from 8–9 April 2025 in Durban. The L20 is a group that brings together trade unions from G20 countries to speak on behalf of workers. They focus on making sure that working people are treated fairly, have decent jobs, and are protected by strong laws and policies. This year’s meeting was held under the theme “Living and Working in an Unequal World – Ensuring Decent Work and Decent Lives.”
Trade union leaders and worker representatives gathered to talk about the challenges workers are facing. The National Public Service Workers Union (NPSWU) was proud to be part of this important meeting. As a union that fights for the rights and well-being of workers in South Africa, NPSWU supports the goals of the L20. The union believes that workers should always be treated with fairness and dignity, no matter where they work.
One of the main issues discussed was how the world economy is becoming more unfair, especially for African countries. New trade rules, like tariffs from the United States, are making it harder for African countries to trade and grow. This has caused inflation, debt, and currency problems. The L20 made it clear that economic decisions should not hurt workers, and NPSWU agrees that people must come before profit.
Delegates also pointed out that although workers are becoming more productive, they are not being paid fairly. Wages are not growing, while big companies keep making more money. This is because of weak laws, new technologies that don’t benefit everyone, and not enough support for workers. NPSWU believes that workers deserve fair wages and better working conditions.
Another big concern was informal work. Over 1.4 billion people around the world are working without contracts or job protections, especially in Africa. The L20 said governments must act fast to make informal jobs more secure. NPSWU supports this, especially because many South African workers are in unstable jobs and need proper protection.
The meeting also spoke about how collective bargaining – the process where unions and employers agree on working conditions – is getting weaker in many countries. Laws are not being enforced, and some employers are ignoring unions. The L20 said this must change. NPSWU strongly supports the protection of collective bargaining rights as it is key to improving life for workers.
Gender equality was another big topic. Women continue to earn less than men, face unfair treatment, and carry the burden of unpaid care work. The L20 called for better policies, equal leave for men and women, and more investment in care services like childcare and elderly care. NPSWU agrees and continues to support women in the workplace and push for gender fairness.
Social protection was also highlighted. Many workers do not have access to things like pensions, health care, or support when they lose their jobs. The L20 said that governments must take responsibility for building systems that protect everyone, not just those in formal jobs. NPSWU believes this is very important, especially for public service workers.
Debt in African countries was another issue raised. Many countries are spending more on paying back debt than on helping their people. The L20 wants the United Nations to create a fair system for dealing with debt. They also want changes in G20 policies so that people come first, not banks. NPSWU agrees that African countries should not be trapped by debt.
The L20 also talked about the green economy and climate change. They said workers must be part of the changes and should not be left out of decisions. A fair change to greener jobs must include good wages and job security. NPSWU supports a just transition where workers are not harmed but helped during these changes.
The African Union’s (AU) current position in the G20 was also questioned. The AU is only an observer and not fully involved in decisions. The L20 said African trade unions must help the AU speak strongly for workers. NPSWU believes that African voices must be heard and respected in global spaces.
Delegates also warned about growing authoritarian governments that silence unions and take away people’s rights. The L20 said workers must stand together, across borders, to protect democracy and the right to protest. NPSWU knows how important this is and supports the fight for freedom and fairness.
On the second day, the meeting focused on the experiences of women workers. Many shared stories about how they face discrimination, violence, and poverty. The L20 said we need a feminist approach that fits African life. This means challenging unfair treatment at home, at work, and in communities. NPSWU supports this message and wants women to have strong roles in unions and workplaces.
At the end of the meeting, the L20 made a list of priorities for African workers: formalise all work, improve social protection, raise wages, invest in the care economy, create public service jobs, support gender equality, and protect democracy. NPSWU supports all these goals and will keep fighting for them.
The meeting ended with thanks to the South African government for allowing the L20 to be part of the G20 Employment discussions. The L20 said workers must not only be invited to meetings, but also be part of making decisions. The message was clear: the world is in crisis, and workers cannot wait any longer. Their rights are under attack, and action must be taken now. NPSWU stands strong with the L20 and other unions in demanding a new social contract. One that respects people, protects workers, and puts human dignity before profits. This is not a dream it is a necessity. And NPSWU is ready to lead that change.