National dialogue on the future of work

The conference “National dialogue on the future of work,” organised on 7 December by the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy and the Institute of Labour and Social Studies, was opened by Stanisław Szwed, Secretary of State. The special guest was Nicolas Niemtchinow, Special Adviser on the Future of Work at the International Labour Office. The opening speech was also given by Henryka Bochniarz, President of the Polish Confederation Lewiatan, Chair of the Social Dialogue Council.

“The world of work is changing rapidly under our eyes,” said Deputy Minister Szwed.“The future of work draws the attention of employees and employers.”

“The conference gives the opportunity to look at these issues in a broader perspective.”It is connected with the coming centenary of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and its “Future of Work” initiative. Due to dynamic changes in the globalising labour market, development of new technologies, change of forms and organisation of work, migration and demographic change in recent years, there is a need for the ILO to respond rapidly to the challenges of the present day.

Participants of the conference, the thematic block Work in the society, considered demographics processes on the labour market – their importance for the labour market, vital events linked to the population, migration movement of the population and the implications for the social security system. They also discussed the impact of technical and technological progress on the labour market.

The second block was devoted to social justice in the labour market, protection of work and variable remuneration. The third block concerned work management.

The round table discussion in which experts, representatives of employers and employees, and government officials were reflecting on the interactions between the government and the social partners' organisations in managing work in the future also took place during the conference.