The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), the labor wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), while highlighting India’s social security coverage and protection of gig workers at the International Labor Conference, urged countries to ensure that artificial intelligence complements rather than replaces workers.
speak on number 114th Speaking at the International Labor Conference in Geneva on Tuesday, June 9, BMS President Bhoj Surendran asserted that India has achieved a social security coverage rate of 64% for workers, internationally recognized as one of the highest in the world. He said the award was presented by the International Social Security Association at the World Social Security Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
“With the global unemployment rate projected to stabilize at 4.9%, the persistence of global employment inequality, which affects more than 400 million people, is a stark reminder that jobs alone are not enough,” said a transcript of his speech shared by the group.
He called for governments and international organizations to focus on decent work, which provides fair wages, social protection, occupational safety and opportunities for skills development.
He also expressed concern over tensions in West Asia, saying the conflict is impacting labor migration, overseas employment, remittance flows, supply chains and the sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises. He added that trade unions have a role to play in facilitating dialogue and building trust during periods of conflict.
Referring to the ILO Director-General’s report on artificial intelligence, Surendran said new technologies should be designed to support humans, not replace them. He welcomed recent efforts by the Coalition and some state governments to extend social security protections to gig and platform workers, calling them an important step towards inclusion in the digital economy.
Surendran also criticized the use of the term “labor market” and argued that labor should be seen as human capital rather than a commodity. He called on Member States to adopt language that reflects the dignity and respect of workers.
issued – June 10, 2026 4:14 AM IST
