ALI Convenes a Discussion on Elements of a Worker-Centric Digital Policy
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ALI members only event
Attendees:
Congresswoman Suzan DelBene
Congressman Jimmy Gomez
ALI hosted a discussion on “Elements of a Worker-Centric Digital Policy” with Representatives Suzan DelBene and Jimmy Gomez, as well as thought leaders from business and civil society. The conversation explored how the goals of worker centric trade could be incorporated into a digital agreement. The conversation stressed the importance of having cohesive domestic policy agenda, but participants agreed that it was important move forward to engage internationally. Participants discussed a number of aspects of worker-centric digital trade, including:
The urgency to close the digital divide and improve digital opportunities for workers at home and abroad. individuals both at home and abroad, and moving to an inclusionary trade policy, with women, people of color and other underserved communities reaping the benefits of trade.
Including provisions on digital inclusion in a worker-centric trade agreement.
Using trade capacity building in digital agreements to improve labor standards and provide digital training, elevating workers around the world, not just in the U.S.
The importance of US federal privacy legislation to address the harm to workers caused by the increasing use of AI and worker surveillance, as well as employer’s collection of worker data, and including strong privacy provisions in a worker-centric digital agreement. .
Improving access to technology for small businesses and including provisions in a worker-centric agreement, facilitating their access to the global market.
Including upgraded labor provisions, including prohibitions on forced and child labor, as well as the adapting the labor provisions in USMCA for a worker-centric digital agreement.
