G20 Labor Ministers Finalise Jobs Plan Ahead Of Toronto Meeting
Minister for Employment Participation Mark Arbib today joined G20 Labour and Employment Ministers in finalising their recommendations to G20 leaders ahead of their meeting in Toronto.
Senator Arbib said the G20 leaders had tasked labour and employment ministers with looking at the challenges the global financial crisis has presented for working families around the world.
Senator Arbib joined other G20 labour ministers today in presenting their recommendations to US President Barack Obama.
“The International Labour Organisation report estimates that the policies adopted by G20 governments during the global economic crisis saved or created an estimated 21 million jobs in 2009 and 2010,” Senator Arbib said.
“Australia will continue to work through the G20 to help build a lasting global recovery, while maintaining the flexibility to do what is right for our economy and for Australian families.”
The conference in Washington, hosted by US Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, was convened for the first time to help coordinate labour market policy. It involved ministers responsible for labour markets in the 20 largest economies in the world.
The ministers reviewed the massive programs launched in the past year to respond to the crisis and discussed additional measures to ensure a sustained recovery that produces enough jobs for workers.
“The conference also discussed a 21st century job skills training strategy, which is important for Australia as we move into a period of growth,” Senator Arbib said.
Ministers also discussed strategies for confronting the problem common to all countries – the spike in youth unemployment.
“I was pleased to join other G20 Labour and Employment Ministers in presenting our recommendations to President Obama,” Senator Arbib said.
“Each Minister will now also present the recommendations to our governments.”
The recommendations include:
I. Accelerate job creation to ensure a sustained recovery and future growth.
- As some countries begin to experience economic recovery, continued attention must be paid to job creation and job preservation, including vigorous implementation of existing policies and consideration of additional employment measures.
- In countries with extensive underemployment, informal sectors and/or high rates of poverty, target efforts to generate employment for poor households and vulnerable groups, utilising lessons learned from recent policy innovations.
II. Strengthen social protection systems and promote inclusive active labour market policies.
- Where needed, strengthen social protection systems and active labour market policies because significant numbers of people, including the most disadvantaged, will remain unemployed even after recovery takes hold, and others will need help to adjust to structural changes in our economies.
- In addition, all countries should establish adequate social protection systems so that households have sufficient security to take advantage of economic opportunities.
III. Place employment and poverty alleviation at the centre of national and global economic strategies.
- G20 leaders should prioritise employment and poverty alleviation as they lay the foundation for strong, sustained and balanced growth that is beneficial to all.
IV. Improve the quality of jobs for our people.
- Renew attention to labour market policies and institutions to improve the quality of jobs and respect for fundamental rights at work, as well as the importance of social dialogue.
V. Prepare our workforces for future challenges and opportunities.
- Education, lifelong learning, job training and skills development strategies should be prioritised and linked to growth strategies.
- Better anticipate and match skills to jobs that can help the workforce benefit from post-crisis restructuring and new opportunities.
During his visit to the United States Senator Arbib also formalised an historic partnership between Australia and the International Labour Organisation to support jobs for people in the Asia-Pacific.
The Australia-ILO Partnership Agreement 2010-2015 will support economic and employment growth, increasing labour standards and improving living conditions by supporting quality jobs.
The agreement is the first time the Australian Government has funded an overarching package of labour programs through the ILO. It provides $15 million funding in the first two years.
Topics: 2010, 21st century, Asia, Australia, Australia-ILO Partnership Agreement 2010-2015, education, employment, families, funding, G20, global economic recovery, global financial crisis, Governance, government, growth strategies, Hilda Solis, International Labour Organisation, investment, job creatin, job training, jobs, Labour, labour market policy, learning, Mark Arbib, moniter, monitor, news, Obama Administration, Pacific, policy, politics, President Barack Obama, Secretary of Labor, Senator Arbib, skills, skills development, social protection, society, Toronto, training, U.S., United States, Washington, White House, work rights, workforce
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