India chairs Brics labour meetNEW DELHI: Trade union representatives from Brics countries on Wednesday called for artificial intelligence (AI) to be used to support workers rather than replace them, urging governments to put in place safeguards against job losses, discrimination and unchecked automation. The appeal came in a declaration adopted at the 15th Brics Trade Union Forum in Hyderabad, held under India's Brics chairship 2026. The forum coincided with the Brics labour and employment ministers' meeting, chaired by Union labour and employment minister Mansukh Mandaviya, where ministers and delegates discussed building inclusive, resilient and future-ready labour markets amid rapid technological change. In their declaration, the trade unions said AI, automation and digitalisation were reshaping the world of work, creating opportunities while also posing challenges such as job displacement, widening inequality, digital surveillance and threats to workers' rights. The forum stressed that "technology and AI must assist human beings and not replace them", adding that technological progress should remain people-centric, equitable and accountable. It also recommended that AI systems should not make final decisions on recruitment, performance reviews, disciplinary action or termination of employment without meaningful human oversight and workers being given the right to challenge automated decisions. The declaration urged Brics governments to frame worker-friendly AI policies, strengthen digital literacy and reskilling programmes, protect workers' data and ensure that the benefits of technological progress are shared fairly across society. Besides AI governance, the forum also called for universal social security, stronger protections for gig and platform workers, greater participation of women in the workforce, and deeper cooperation among Brics countries on skills development and lifelong learning.