The region’s labor markets are going through an important period of transformation, marked by economic, technological, demographic and environmental changes, among others. Added to these transformative dynamics is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused a prolonged crisis, revealing and deepening inequalities that already characterized the labor markets of Latin America and the Caribbean.
In the context of recovery with transformation, it is crucial to promote labor inclusion policies focused on groups of the population in a situation of greater vulnerability, that is, to implement policies that promote equal opportunities to access and develop productive jobs that generate income above the poverty line and grant job security and social protection, as well as prospects for personal development, social integration and freedom to express opinions, organize and participate in decision-making that affect one’s life. Promoting labor inclusion is not only important to reduce structural inequalities in the region, but also for the economic and sustainable development of countries.
The interdivisional publication produced within the framework of the collaboration agreement between ECLAC and the Ford Foundation was presented at this event: “Social inequality and the future of workers in Latin America in the context of post-pandemic recovery”. The publication is entitled “Inequalities, labor inclusion and the future of work in Latin America”, and four divisions of ECLAC participated in it: Social Development (DSD), Economic Development (DDE), Gender Affairs (DAG) ) and Population (CELADE).
The interdivisional publication analyzes the potential impact of some of the transforming trends on the labor inclusion of women, youth, Afro-descendant populations, and Indigenous Peoples, and proposes public policy guidelines for a recovery with transformation and equality.