Archive · 19 Jul 2026
BRICS Trade Unions Push for Social Protection
The BRICS Trade Union Forum met in Hyderabad, India, from July 14-16, 2026.
They adopted the Hyderabad Declaration, which calls for universal social protection for all workers, including those in unorganized sectors, migrant workers, and platform workers.
The declaration also focuses on eliminating gender pay gaps, increasing female labor force participation, and ensuring that technology and AI assist workers rather than replace them.
The forum urged BRICS nations to align national laws to guarantee collective bargaining and social protections for platform workers.
The event was hosted by the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) under India's 2026 BRICS Presidency and brought together delegates from 13 member and partner countries.
The 15th BRICS Trade Union Forum adopted the Hyderabad Declaration advocating for universal social protection.
The declaration focuses on eliminating gender pay gaps and increasing female labor force participation.
It calls for investments in upskilling, reskilling, and public-private-union partnerships.
The forum urged BRICS nations to align national laws to guarantee collective bargaining for platform workers.
The event was hosted by the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) under India's 2026 BRICS Presidency.
- Who
- BRICS Trade Union Forum delegates and representatives
- What
- Adoption of the Hyderabad Declaration advocating for universal social protection and gender pay equity
- When
- July 14-16, 2026
- Where
- Hyderabad, India
- Why
- To promote fair, inclusive, and worker-centric labor markets
Pro-Worker Policies
Business Interests
Social Protection Expansion
Pro-Worker Policies
Advocates for universal social protection covering all workers, including unorganized and migrant workers.
Business Interests
Concerns about the economic impact and potential burden on businesses.
Gender Pay Equity
Pro-Worker Policies
Supports eliminating gender pay gaps and increasing female labor force participation.
Business Interests
Potential resistance from industries concerned about compliance costs.
Technology and AI
Pro-Worker Policies
Promotes governance models to ensure technology and AI assist workers rather than replace them.
Business Interests
Businesses may prioritize technological advancements and cost savings over worker protections.
- Event
- 15th BRICS Trade Union Forum (TUF)
- Date
- July 14-16, 2026
- Location
- Hyderabad, India
- Declaration
- Hyderabad Declaration
- Participants
- 53 delegates from 13 member and partner countries
- Key Focus Areas
- Universal social protection, gender pay equity, technology and AI governance
- Host
- Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS)
- BRICS Presidency
- India (2026)