A view forward: IUF food processing affiliates respond to rapid industry change

Worldwide, the food processing industry has been grappling with soaring commodity prices, softening consumer demand, the mounting impacts of climate change, and relentless investor pressure for ever-higher profitability. Automation, digitization and artificial intelligence (AI) are also appearing increasingly in offices and on factory floors, while vertically integrated and asset-light business models continue to take hold in the sector.

But what does this all mean for workers and their unions? That question framed the IUF Food Processing Division Steering Group (FPDSG) meeting on December 9-10, 2025, where nearly 25 representatives from IUF affiliates around the world gathered to share experiences and strategize on how to confront these challenges - and their impacts on workers - in a sector changing at breakneck speed. Discussions also focused on how the evolution of the sector should inform the IUF and its affiliates' organizing strategies - including how the IUF can work with its affiliates in home and receiving countries to support and protect the rights of migrant workers.

Artificial intelligence - and the risks it poses if left unchecked - was also a central topic at the FPDSG meeting. Transparency around AI remains a major challenge, particularly in regions where employers are not required to disclose what AI technology is being used, when, or how. Without such safeguards, workers may be unaware when AI is making decisions that affect them - or lack the ability to provide informed consent. Ensuring transparency is therefore essential, enabling workers and their unions to understand the implications of new technologies, including AI, and, where possible, negotiate their introduction while mitigating potential adverse impacts. FPDSG meeting participants recommended that the IUF, as part of its broader work on AI, compile examples of collective bargaining language to support affiliates' efforts to negotiate over the introduction of new technology, including AI, and its impacts.

"As the industry evolves, our responsibility is clear: Workers must not be left behind. By safeguarding workers' fundamental rights and strengthening international solidarity, we can ensure that the rights and livelihoods of those who keep the food industry running are protected," said Sarah Meyer, IUF International Officer for the food processing sector.