MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Workers' Day highlights ongoing challenges and digital shifts in Latin America

A new report by the World Economic Forum reveals that 84% of employers in the region plan to upskill their workforce by 2030 to meet the growing demand for digital and technological talent

As the world marks International Workers' Day on May 1st, Latin America reflects not only on the hard-won labor rights of the past but also on the urgent challenges of the digital age. Born from the 1886 Chicago protests demanding an eight-hour workday, the holiday honors the legacy of the “Haymarket Martyrs” and remains a symbol of the global struggle for fair labor conditions.

In Uruguay, Argentina, and across the region, May Day is not only a moment to remember past sacrifices but to assess present inequalities and future transformations. Among them: the looming skills gap in the digital economy.

A new report by the World Economic Forum titled “The Future of Work in Latin America and the Caribbean: Bridging the Digital Skills Gap” reveals that 84% of employers in the region plan to upskill their workforce by 2030 to meet the growing demand for digital and technological talent. This includes roles in AI, data analysis, and climate sustainability, such as renewable energy engineering and ESG strategy.

Yet obstacles remain. Just two-thirds of households in the region have internet access, far below the OECD average of 91%, and labor laws and organizational cultures often lag behind. “Technological disruption will create jobs, but without significant investment in training, too many workers risk being left behind,” said Valeria Moy, director of Mexico's IMCO think tank.

Countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina are witnessing surging demand for soft skills too, with leadership, creative thinking, and resilience ranking high among employer needs. Meanwhile, environmental shifts are reshaping labor markets: sustainability specialists are among the fastest-growing roles in Colombia and Brazil.

The 2025 report urges policymakers to modernize labor regulations and invest in public retraining programs. It also recommends greater flexibility in hiring and dismissal practices, noting that nearly 60% of Colombian firms see outdated regulations as a barrier to growth.

While Latin America honors workers' past achievements this May Day, it also faces a clear call to action: embrace a future of work defined by digital fluency, environmental stewardship, and inclusive opportunity.