The 15th BRICS Trade Union Forum (TUF) Summit 2026 concluded in Hyderabad with the unanimous adoption of the Hyderabad Declaration, which calls on all BRICS governments to strengthen and expand social protection systems for every worker. The declaration says that governments should ensure universal, adequate, and sustainable social security for all categories of workers, including workers in the unorganised sector, self-employed workers, migrant workers, platform (gig) workers, agricultural workers, and those working in non-standard forms of employment. It describes extending social protection to the last worker as an important goal for inclusive development across the world.
Summit Held in Hyderabad Under India’s BRICS Presidency
The summit was held from 14 to 16 July 2026 in Hyderabad under India’s 2026 BRICS Presidency. It was hosted by the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) and chaired by Sri Sunkari Mallesham, Chairman of the BRICS Trade Union Forum and All India President of BMS. The event brought together 53 delegates from national trade union centres of 13 BRICS member and partner countries. More than 60 trade union leaders, HR experts, industry representatives, academicians and policy experts also participated in the discussions and shared their views on labour reforms and worker welfare.
Telangana Governor Attends Closing Ceremony
The final day of the summit was attended by Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, who addressed the gathering and appreciated the historic consensus achieved through the Hyderabad Declaration. He also highlighted the importance of mutual trust between employers and employees in maintaining healthy industrial relations.
Hyderabad Declaration Welcomes New ILO Convention
The declaration congratulated the International Labour Organization (ILO) and its tripartite partners for adopting the Convention on Decent Work in the Platform Economy in 2026. According to the declaration, the adoption of this convention demonstrates the strength and effectiveness of the ILO’s tripartite system, where governments, employers and workers work together to frame labour standards.
Workers’ Delegation Participated in Labour Ministers’ Meeting
During the summit, a high-level workers’ delegation also participated in the BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting held in Hyderabad. The delegation was led by the Chairman of the BRICS Trade Union Forum and included representatives from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, who presented the workers’ perspective before the Labour Ministers.
Four Major Priorities of the Hyderabad Declaration
The Hyderabad Declaration identifies four key areas that BRICS countries should focus on to build strong and future-ready labour markets.
The first priority is Women and the Future of Work, which aims to reduce gender pay gaps, promote equal opportunities at workplaces and increase women’s participation in the labour force.
The second priority is Universal Social Security, which seeks to provide strong social safety nets for every worker. It also recommends making social security benefits portable across borders so that migrant workers can continue receiving benefits even when they move to another country.
The third priority is Skills for the Future, under which BRICS nations should invest in continuous upskilling and reskilling of workers. The declaration also encourages partnerships between governments, employers and trade unions to improve workforce skills.
The fourth priority is Human-Centric Technology, which states that technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be used to support workers instead of replacing them. It recommends developing governance systems that ensure technology benefits workers and protects employment.
Permanent Mechanism for Trade Union Cooperation Proposed
One of the major outcomes of the summit is the proposal to establish a Permanent Institutional Mechanism within the BRICS framework. This mechanism will strengthen cooperation between BRICS governments and trade unions and ensure continuous dialogue on labour policies and worker-related issues at the international level. It is expected to improve global policy advocacy on workers’ rights.
Better Protection for Gig and Platform Workers
The Hyderabad Declaration also focuses on workers in the gig and platform economy, such as app-based delivery workers, ride-hailing drivers and other digital platform workers. It urges BRICS countries to quickly update their national labour laws in line with the latest ILO standards. The declaration recommends providing these workers with social security benefits, collective bargaining rights, and better legal protection so that they receive fair treatment and decent working conditions.
Support for BRICS CONNECT Initiative
The declaration supports the BRICS CONNECT platform launched by India’s Ministry of Labour and Employment. The platform aims to improve cross-border skills mapping and voluntary knowledge sharing among BRICS countries. According to the declaration, the Trade Union Forum’s recommendations complement the objectives of BRICS CONNECT and will help strengthen cooperation in workforce development and skill sharing.
