A powerhouse for transformation emerges from UNI’s Asia & Pacific conference 

UNI Global Union trade union affiliates emerged from the 6th UNI Asia & Pacific Regional Conference energized, determined and united to initiate transformational change over the next four years. 

Near 600 participants from unions in 22 countries gathered in Bangkok, Thailand, for the enriching and dynamic conference held from 20 to 22 November 2024. 

In a testament to their hard work and success in leading and guiding UNI’s activities in the region over the past five years, delegates re-elected Brother Akihiko Matsuura, from Japanese union UA ZENSEN, as UNI Asia & Pacific President, and Brother Rajendra Acharya as Regional Secretary. Participants also confirmed a new UNI Asia & Pacific Executive Committee (details below.) 

The final day of the conference began with a key discussion on achieving decent work in the digital era through just transition. The panel explored various aspects of digitalization in the workplace, including job displacement, the need for upskilling and reskilling, ethical considerations, and the potential for AI to both enhance and challenge current work environments. 

Dennis Maga of FIRST Union in New Zealand emphasized the need to collectively bargain to ensure workers have access to upskilling and reskilling programmes, remote work and a right to disconnect. Additionally, Maga stressed the importance of robust dialogue between unions and employers to manage AI-related transitions, supported by institutional measures like social income insurance and active labour market programmes to safeguard workers affected by AI-driven changes. 

Dr Yuka Ujita from the International Labour Organization (ILO) opened the second session on occupational health and safety (OSH), which was made a fundamental right a by the ILO in 2022. 

“OSH is a very good entry point for trade unions to raise awareness of the fundamental rights at work,” said Uijita, adding that it was important for people to be mindful of their own health. 

“Every year, 250,000 people die from heart disease or strokes caused by overwork, defined as working more than 55 hours a week…In the Asia-Pacific region, we face the highest levels of overwork globally, making this an urgent issue for our region.” 

Sister Premkala Sambahamphe (NTEAN, Nepal) explained how her union has negotiated agreements that have led to significant improvements in worker welfare, including medical expense coverage for injured technicians. “Safe workplaces enhance business performance, reputation and compliance, making OSH a vital investment,” she said. 

The session also highlighted successful campaigns by unions in Australia and Japan to reduce violence and harassment from customers in the commerce sector.  

A final motion on promoting social dialogue and partnership, emphasized the importance of social dialogue in an era of technological transformation and global uncertainty. Guest speaker, Rodora Babaran, Director of the Human Development Directorate at ASEAN, said changes brought about by AI, automation and remote work demand adaptation not only from employers and policymakers, but also from trade unions to ensure that workers can enjoy their right to collective bargaining and decent work. 

Sister Malani Subramaniam from UTES presented Singapore’s robust tripartite framework, where the government, employers and unions have collaborated to establish over 2,700 Company Training Committees to co-create worker training programmes, surpassing the 2025 goal of 2,500.  

“By motivating workers to upskill and reskill, we ensure their employability remains relevant for the jobs of tomorrow,” said Subramaniam. 

The conference concluded with a real sense of optimism and solidarity to continue the region’s success and growing union power through organizing and collective bargaining.