India Chairs BRICS Labour Meet, Trade Unions Say AI Must Not Replace Workers

Source: Times of India | Original Published At: 2026-07-15 16:14:00 UTC

Key Points

• India chaired the 15th BRICS Trade Union Forum and labour ministers' meeting in Hyderabad under its 2026 BRICS chairship.
• Trade union representatives adopted a declaration urging that AI and automation support workers rather than replace them.
• The forum called for safeguards against job losses, discrimination, and unchecked automation, emphasizing human oversight in AI-driven employment decisions.
• Recommendations included framing worker-friendly AI policies, strengthening digital literacy, and protecting workers' data.
• Delegates advocated for universal social security, protections for gig workers, and deeper BRICS cooperation on skills development.