Sello Motseta
11th June 2024
The Institute for Labour and Employment Studies(ILES)has revealed that it will host the 2024 Annual Labour Conference which is an Social Dialogue Forum for social partners Government, Business and Labour themed, ‘A job rich economy: Leveraging Technologies for Sustainable Decent Work,’ on the 20-21st June 2024 at fairground Holdings Hall.
Shandkani Hlabano, Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of the Institute for Labour and Employment Studies(ILES), said “Our main focus this year is to enable social dialogue partners to delve into initiatives, policies and strategies as well as the country’s preparedness for sustainable Job creation and technological advancements.”
He said, “We have invited thought and industry leaders to discuss the readiness of our labour market to embrace these disruptions caused by technology. At the end of the day as a country(Government, business and workers) we can come up with recommendations for implementation by all parties in shaping the future of work.”
Hlabano revealed that technology has caused disruptions to the labour market and it was important for labour partners to have a moment of reflection. Developed countries also continue to lag behind when dealing with natural disasters like COVID-19 or innovations in artificial intelligence.
There will be 4 key sessions to address the role of Government, employers and worker organizations in achieving job rich growth, deliberating on the 4Industrial revolution and impact of technological advances on the job market, protecting informal sector and emerging groups from emerging technologies and addressing impact of emerging occupational hazards.
“We will never influence the world if we continue to be comfortable as followers. We need to be at the forefront of innovation,” said Hlabano.
