G20 must tackle inequality, gender gaps to build just labour markets – Minister Meth

Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has called on G20 member states to urgently address growing inequality and the erosion of labour income share, warning that these trends threaten global economic stability and social cohesion.

The Minister was delivering the keynote address at the second G20 Employment Working Group meeting in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday. 

“The growing erosion of labour’s share of national income poses a significant threat to broader economic resilience and inclusivity goals by widening wealth disparities, weakening the social fabric, and limiting upward mobility. Addressing this trend is crucial for global progress,” the Minister said.

Meth emphasised that economic progress must not be measured solely by GDP or trade metrics, but by the ability to uplift vulnerable communities through decent work, fair wages, and inclusive opportunities. 

She underscored the need to close gender gaps in employment and pay, describing it as both a moral imperative and a driver of innovation and prosperity.

“We find ourselves at a critical juncture, where the global landscape is marked by increasing disparities threatening the fundamental principles upon which just and dignified societies are built. 

“Millions of workers worldwide remain mired in precarious employment conditions, receiving stagnant wages and experiencing shrinking opportunities for social mobility. Policies and initiatives that aim to alleviate poverty and economic despair encounter resistance from those who prioritise narrow economic interests over workers’ inherent dignity and rights,” she said. 

However, Meth said it must be clear that economic growth must not be evaluated solely through GDP metrics, trade balances or other numerical indicators. While such measures are important, she said, they cannot be the only barometers of success.

“Genuine progress must be evident in our collective commitment to uplift the most vulnerable of our society. The real test of our achievements is ensuring that economic expansion leads to substantive social justice, employment figures correspond to quality jobs with decent pay, and that work provides financial stability, dignity, fulfilment and security,” the Minister said. 

She emphasised that at the core of the discussions was the principle that labour is not a commodity, workers are human beings with rights, not disposable economic inputs. 

Meth stressed that an international system prioritising profit over people is unsustainable and unethical, calling for the rejection of transactional approaches that compromise fairness, equity, and dignity.

As the G20 President, South Africa remains steadfast in upholding the values of solidarity, equality and sustainability.

“These are not abstract ideals or rhetorical flourishes; they serve as the foundation upon which our policies, governance structures and international engagements are built. We categorically reject any notion that human suffering can be reduced to a mere footnote in pursuing political expediency or economic dominance,” she said. 

Youth jobs and gender equality top of the labour agenda

The Minister said that the Employment Working Group was prioritising youth employment and women’s economic empowerment, with bold targets such as the Nelson Mandela Bay Goal to reduce global youth unemployment by 5% by 2030. 

“This is not merely an employment target; it represents an investment in the future of our societies. We must actively create quality jobs, foster skills development and champion youth-led innovation to ensure young people have a place in the evolving labour market,” she said.

The group is also pushing to renew and expand commitments like the Brisbane-eThekwini Target to close gender gaps in labour force participation. 

Minister Meth emphasised that workplace equality and youth inclusion are essential for sustainable growth, warning that the cost of inaction would be far greater than intervention.

Call for resilient labour policies amid global trade shifts

Minister Meth raised concern over disruptive global trade developments, warning they risk driving economic stagnation and widespread job losses, especially in developing countries. 

She urged G20 like-minded G20 countries to rise to the occasion and forge resilient labour market policies that protect jobs, safeguard economic stability, and ensure that economies remain viable despite mounting global uncertainties.

“South Africa stands firm and shall not waver in pursuing fairness, inclusion and social justice. We will continue to advocate for decent work, robust labour protections and equitable economic opportunities for all. 

“We will resist any effort, whether domestic or international, that seeks to undermine our sovereignty, our people’s dignity and the fundamental rights of workers,” she said.

The Minister told delegates to remain mindful that deliberations have profound real-world implications. 

“The decisions we make today will shape the future of work for millions of people across the globe. Our efforts must not be confined to policy frameworks alone, but must translate into tangible, measurable improvements in people’s lives,” Meth said. – SAnews.gov.za

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