Labour Leaders Urge G20 to Tackle AI, Inequality, and Tax Fairness

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In this episode of Mandates & Megaphones, Jeremy Maggs converses with Tanya van Meelis, head of policy at Cosatu, and Riefdah Ajam, general secretary of Fedusa. Together, they explore the possibility of aligning social justice with economic coordination amidst growing disparities between promises and actual outcomes.

As the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers’ meeting approaches, both leaders stress the importance of incorporating workers’ voices into the global agenda, discussing topics ranging from artificial intelligence to climate transition, as well as inequality and equitable taxation.

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A broader labor agenda beyond the workplace

Van Meelis pointed out that labor issues reach far beyond immediate workplace concerns. While job security and worker protections remain vital, unions are pushing for systemic reforms—like tax justice, equitable debt solutions for developing countries, and tougher regulations on global capital movements.

“Workers cannot solely focus on their immediate environments; global trends affect us all… Labor is asserting its influence to tackle wider issues beyond just workplace matters,” stated Van Meelis.

Ajam concurred, calling for a new trade framework that both protects labor rights and honors national sovereignty. She emphasized that social protection and investment in just transition strategies must play a vital role in global industrial policy.

Decent work as a foundation for equality

Both leaders prioritized decent work in labor’s demands. Ajam highlighted the precariousness facing workers in gig and platform economies, pointing to a decline in social protections and benefits.

“Our dedicated labor has built numerous economies, yet we are not reaping the rewards… Workers face exploitation at every level,” Ajam declared.

Van Meelis added that without acknowledging trade unions, the right to strike, and collective bargaining, no nation can truly claim to uphold decent work standards. She criticized some G20 nations for endorsing labor principles while domestically suppressing unions.

Technology, artificial intelligence, and worker protections

The rise of artificial intelligence was a recurring concern. Van Meelis expressed unease over AI being introduced into factories without union input, altering management and discipline methods for workers. She insisted that unions must be part of discussions to optimize AI’s advantages and mitigate its downsides.

“AI is progressing regardless of our preferences. Our aim must be to identify potential benefits while addressing adverse effects decisively,” Van Meelis noted.

Ajam elaborated, portraying AI as a significant shift in workplace control, where algorithms replace human judgment in hiring, scheduling, and performance evaluations. She advocated for transparency, worker involvement, and binding collective bargaining agreements regarding technological changes.

“A digital future lacking fairness will only intensify existing inequalities,” Ajam warned.

Global solidarity and Africa’s presence at the G20

Both leaders stressed the necessity of solidarity among trade unions, not just in South Africa but across Africa and globally. Van Meelis detailed how South African federations engaged other African unions in G20-related dialogues, securing funding and organizing workshops to convey regional issues.

“We ensured that African workers and unions were heard and our concerns articulated,” Van Meelis affirmed.

Ajam emphasized that global solidarity is strengthening, as unions worldwide acknowledge that attacks on collective bargaining and social protections anywhere resonate across the globe.

“The principle of ‘an injury to one is an injury to all’ strongly resonates… We cannot afford to be divided while capital searches for new profit avenues,” Ajam asserted.

Economic justice through fair taxation and trade

Lastly, they addressed the economic underpinnings of labor’s demands. Van Meelis advocated for wealth taxes and financial transaction taxes to combat inequality and provide governments with essential resources for education, healthcare, and social services. She stressed the importance of value-added production and protective trade measures to preserve domestic employment.

“We urgently need new funding sources… Taxing the ultra-wealthy is vital to ensure we have the education, healthcare, and services governments are expected to deliver,” Van Meelis stated.

Ajam linked this to the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, viewing it as an opportunity for South Africa to emerge as a leader in re-industrialization and break the cycle of exporting raw materials while importing poverty.

“South Africa exports commodities—ultimately wealth—but imports poverty as we must buy finished products. We need to change this dynamic to achieve social justice,” Ajam remarked.

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This dialogue makes it clear that, for labor, the future of work extends beyond technology—it embodies dignity, inclusion, and justice. Both Van Meelis and Ajam reaffirmed the critical need for workers’ inclusion in decisions shaping the global economy.

From AI regulations to climate transitions and wealth taxation, labor movements are steadfastly committed to ensuring their interests resonate within the G20 and beyond.

The Mandates & Megaphones podcast will release weekly episodes on Mondays leading up to the summit in late November. Tune in on Spotify, iTunes, and other popular platforms, or download the Moneyweb app for updates anytime, anywhere.

This feature was presented by the Standard Bank Group.