INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON DECENT WORK (1)

New Technology, New work and Decent Work framework: Implication on Labour and production

1. About the Conference:

The Centre for Labour Law Research and Advocacy (CLLRA) at the National Law University Delhi is organizing an International Conference on the topic of "New Technology, New work and Decent Work framework: Implication on Labour and production" The Conference is poised to be a dynamic and comprehensive gathering of experts and stakeholders in the field of law, technology, and labour in the Indian context. This conference is not merely a routine academic event but a strategic platform designed to foster collaborative discussions and generate insights that address the multifaceted challenges arising from the integration of new technologies into the workforce.

2. Conference Theme:

The theme of the conference, "New Technology, New Work, and Decent Work Framework: Implications on Labour and Production,"encapsulates the profound transformations occurring at the intersection of new technology, new labour, and informality in the contemporary Indian context. This theme underscores the imperative to comprehend and navigate the intricate dynamics brought about by rapid technological advancements. It recognizes that the evolving nature of work, driven by innovations such as automation, artificial intelligence, and digitalization, necessitates a re-evaluation of existing legal frameworks. The theme emphasizes the importance of addressing the implications of the new labour force which have implications on the production processes and societal dynamics. By exploring the legal dimensions of this paradigm shift, the conference aims to facilitate informed discussions, propose adaptive policies, and contribute to the development of a progressive and equitable new legal framework that aligns with the transformative landscape of work propelled by new technologies.

2.1. Sub-Themes:

1. Historical patterns of technology at work

2. Legal Challenges in the Gig Economy

3. Worker Protections at ‘Non-standard work’

4. The state, regulation and new technology at work

5. New occupational categories, skill sets and adaptation in policy scape.

6. Compliance with ‘equal opportunity policy’ (caste, race, gender, (dis)ability and income)

7. Algorithms and metric: Extra-magisterial control into workers’ lives

8. Women in the gig economy: Feminizing digital labour

9. Resilience, negotiation, new social contracts and new social movements

10. Transnational research projects and ethical concerns at research work

11. Digital transformations and the future of work

12. Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Hiring Practices

13. Health and Safety in Technologically Advanced Workplaces

14. Legal Implications of Wearable Technology at Work

15. Environmental Sustainability and Labor Laws in the era of technology.

16. North-South Debates on cheap labour, automation and ethical labour practices

17. Technological upgradation at elephant’s pace: Manual Scavenging, rag pickers, sanitation workers, sewage workers.

3. Purpose of the Conference:

The upcoming conference is positioned as a dynamic and inclusive gathering of experts and stakeholders in law, technology, and labour within the Indian context. Going beyond a typical academic event, it serves as a strategic platform fostering collaborative discussions to address challenges stemming from the integration of new technologies into the workforce. With a focus on inclusivity, the conference brings together a diverse array of perspectives, including legal experts, policymakers, economists, technocrats, industry leaders, labour representatives, and scholars, ensuring a holistic examination of the complex interplay between technological advancements, labour practices, and legal frameworks. Encouraging interactive participation, the conference emphasizes legal clarity, delving into nuances associated with rapid technological integration, with implications not only for legal practitioners but also for policymakers shaping frameworks aligned with technological advancements. Worker protections are a significant agenda item, reflecting a commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the workforce in the era of automation and artificial intelligence. Discussions centre around adapting legal frameworks to safeguard workers' rights and interests, fostering a fair and just work environment. Additionally, the conference explores the delicate balance between fostering innovation and implementing necessary regulations, recognizing the importance of ethical and legal considerations in tandem with technological advancements.

3.1.Objectives:

The primary objectives of this Conference are:

1. Examine the Impact of Technological Advancements on Decent Work

2. Evaluate the Legal Framework for Decent Work in the Era of New Technology

3. Discuss the Role of Technology in Enhancing Decent Work Practices

4. Address Challenges to Labour Rights in the Digital Age

5. Explore Sustainable Production Models in the Context of Technological Change

6. Promote Social Dialogue and Collaboration

7. Consider Gender Perspectives in the Context of New Technology and Work

8. Examine Global Trends and Best Practices

9. Propose Policy Recommendations for Decent Work in the Digital Era

10. Publish Conference Proceedings and Recommendations

3.2. Law and Society Framework:

The upcoming Conference holds crucial importance as a forum for examining the intricate dynamics between technological advancements, labor practices, and legal frameworks in the Indian context. Bringing together legal experts, policymakers, industry representatives, and scholars, the conference aims to stimulate regulatory debates on rapid technological integration, address worker protection issues in the face of automation, and consider potential amendments or new legal frameworks. Emphasizing the need for critical accounts of the relationship between technology and work, the conference explores the delicate balance between labor, technology, and productivity, recognizing the impact on social relations and employment relationships. The examination of new workspaces and spatial formations, along with discussions on the legal implications of new technologies, aims to contribute to policy formulation that fosters innovation while ensuring compliance with socially just legal frameworks. Additionally, the conference fosters social dialogue among diverse stakeholders, crucial for developing a progressive and responsive legal framework in the face of contemporary challenges posed by technology integration into the workforce.

3.3. Contributions to Policy Making:

The upcoming Conference is poised to significantly influence labor and technology policymaking in India. By bringing together legal experts, industry representatives, and scholars, the conference enables informed decision-making, offering nuanced insights into the legal intricacies of integrating new technologies into the workspace. It serves as a platform to identify deficiencies in the existing legal framework, guiding policymakers in amending or proposing new policies to comprehensively address the challenges posed by technological advancements. The focus on worker protections and welfare, discussions on balancing innovation and regulation, and the inclusive nature of the conference contribute to the formulation of policies that prioritize workforce rights, promote fairness, and consider diverse perspectives. Additionally, insights from discussions on skill development initiatives inform policies aimed at continuous learning and workforce adaptability in the face of technological changes.

4. Types Of Participants:

The conference is designed to bring together a diverse range of participants, fostering a multidimensional dialogue among key stakeholders including but not restricted to Scholars and Researchers, Policymakers and Government Representatives, Industry Leaders and Employers, Labour Representatives and Unions, Technology and Innovation Professionals, Legal Practitioners and Consultants, Advocacy Groups and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), International Organizations and Experts. The inclusion of a diverse range of participants ensures a holistic exploration of the conference themes, fostering a collaborative and inclusive dialogue. This varied representation enables a comprehensive understanding of the legal, ethical, social, and practical dimensions of the challenges and opportunities arising from the integration of new technologies into the labor landscape.

5. Conclusion:

The proposed international conference is a timely and critical initiative addressing the intricate relationship between technological advancements, evolving work paradigms, and the imperative to uphold principles of decent work. Positioned at the brink of a digital revolution, the conference aims to comprehensively understand and adapt legal frameworks to ensure workforce well-being and rights. Intending to foster a global dialogue, the conference brings together legal experts, policymakers, industry representatives, and labor advocates to assess the impact of technology on decent work and propose actionable policy recommendations. Beyond diagnosing legal challenges, the conference strives to be a catalyst for innovative solutions, promoting social dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of best practices. Emphasizing gender perspectives, sustainability, and global trends, the conference commits to a comprehensive examination through a lens that is legally sound, socially responsible, and environmentally sustainable. Anticipating outcomes beyond the event, the research findings and collaborative networks formed during the conference are expected to shape future advancements in legal frameworks governing work in the digital era. The conference aspires to contribute significantly to a future where technology and decent work coexist harmoniously.

For further information and updates, please visit our official website or contact us at Cllra@nludelhi.ac.in

Sincerely,

Dr. Sophy K.J.,

Associate Professor

Research Director

Centre for Labour Law Research and Advocacy,

National Law University Delhi