Derecho al trabajo y trabajo con derechos | Conversatorio en el Parlamento

A forum for discussion on the current challenges facing employment in Uruguay, shaped by productive transformation, technological changes, and the need to strengthen labor protections. The event featured the participation of the Minister of Labor and Social Security, Juan Castillo; Senator Óscar Andrade; Representative Tatiana Antúnez; the Vice President of the PIT-CNT (National Confederation of Workers), Carolina Spilman; and researcher Paula Carrasco from the Institute of Economics (IECON-Udelar). During his presentation, Senator Andrade focused on productive transformation and development as fundamental pillars for sustaining quality employment. He pointed out that, within the context of the scientific and technological revolution, jobs are being lost without this translating into economic growth that benefits the majority. In this regard, he affirmed that the central focus of the debate must be decent work, with a humanizing perspective that places workers at the heart of any development strategy. She also warned about the increase in workplace accidents and highlighted the regulatory advances achieved in recent years, particularly in historically neglected sectors such as domestic and rural work. For his part, Minister Juan Castillo expressed his concern about rising unemployment and falling wages, emphasizing the impact this situation has, especially on young people. In this context, he presented various government employment promotion programs, such as "Yo Estudio y Trabajo" (I Study and Work), "Uruguay Impulsa" (Uruguay Promotes), "Libertad Segura" (Safe Freedom), and the recently approved Comprehensive Employment Law, aimed at expanding job opportunities for the most vulnerable sectors. He also emphasized the role of training through INEFOP (National Institute for Employment and Vocational Training) and cooperatives as key tools for improving working conditions. The vice president of the PIT-CNT (National Confederation of Workers), Carolina Spilman, stated that the concept of work with rights must be updated in light of the profound changes brought about by artificial intelligence and new forms of labor organization. While highlighting historical achievements such as collective bargaining, wage councils, and the strength of the labor movement, the discussion also pointed out the need to incorporate new dimensions into the debate, such as the prevention of workplace violence, the recognition of care work, and ongoing professional development. The discussion raised a central question: how to ensure that work remains dignified in a constantly changing world, reaffirming that advancing labor rights is not an obstacle to development, but rather an essential condition for building a more just and inclusive society.