Technology Must Serve People: GCTU Statement for World Day for Decent Work
"Digitalization and artificial intelligence are transforming the world of work. We demand that employers and governments guarantee that technological advancement is matched by social progress. We insist on closing the legal loopholes that leave entire categories of workers unprotected – such as dependent contractors, platform workers, and the self-employed," the document states.
The GCTU emphasizes that the digital economy is built upon traditional industries, from manufacturing to healthcare and education. The principle that "no one who works should live in poverty" must be the foundation of every state's policy.
On October 7, 2025, trade unions worldwide will hold actions in support of decent work for the 18th time. The GCTU calls on its member organizations to actively mark this date and hold events in any relevant format – from marches and rallies to media campaigns.
"The voice of the trade unions must be heard in workplaces, in cities and villages, in the mass media and on social networks," the GCTU asserts.
The General Confederation of Trade Unions calls on trade union leaders and activists to participate in actions under the following slogans:
Decent Work – Fair Wages: No one who works should live in poverty!
Technology must serve people, not deprive them of their rights!
Protect the rights of all workers: from traditional industries to digital platforms!
Social justice for migrant workers – the duty of a civilized society!
Our strength is in solidarity: Together for decent work and respect for workers' rights!
GCTU News
-
A Unified Registry of Collective Agreements Should Be Established in the CIS
A unified registry of collective agreements in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) will enable the regulation of labor relations at a cross-border level, according to the General Confederation of Trade Unions. The proposal by GCTU to include the creation of such a registry in the draft Plan of Activities for the Year of Social Development and Quality of Life in the CIS was approved by participants of the working group of the Advisory Council on Labor, Employment, and Social Protection of the Population of the CIS Member States. The working group meeting took place today at the CIS Executive Committee in Minsk, using video conferencing.
-
Nominal Wages in the CIS Show Steady Growth
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan lead with the highest growth rates
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have recorded the highest growth in nominal average wages in the CIS, with increases of 27.5% and 20.3%, respectively, compared to the first half of last year.
Experts from the GCTU analyzed wage data in the CIS, published in the latest report Socio-Economic Situation of the CIS Countries in the First Half of 2026 by the CIS Statistical Committee.
-
Belarusian Trade, Consumer Cooperation and Entrepreneurship Workers' Union Turns 95
The Trade, Consumer Cooperation and Entrepreneurship Workers' Union of the Republic of Belarus celebrated its 95th anniversary on July 31. Today, the union unites over 143,000 industry workers across the country, with 1,681 primary trade union organizations. The union reliably protects the rights of industry workers in the Republic and actively operates on the international stage as part of the International Confederation of Trade Unions of Workers in Trade, Catering, Consumer Cooperation, and Various Forms of Entrepreneurship.