ITUC Criticizes G20 for Failing to Prioritize Quality Employment in Recovery

The International Trade Union Confederation urged the G20 summit in Seoul to fulfill its earlier promise of centering recovery measures on quality employment. The organization reported that global unemployment exceeded 220 million people, marking the highest level ever recorded, and that 100 million people had been pushed into absolute poverty by the global financial crisis. The ITUC noted that G20 leaders had stepped back from the employment promise at the Toronto summit, despite previous commitments to strong financial regulations.

The report highlighted the significant global crisis of unemployment, noting that 15 percent of the total unemployed lost their jobs since 2007. While G20 leaders committed to climate action and green jobs, the ITUC stated there were no significant financial regulations in place and only limited action on green jobs in some countries.