The role of international labour standards in a global economy

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• I. Introduction:
• II. Labour law in the context of globalisation
  • 1. The progressive internationalisation of the economy
  • 2. Challenges posed to labour standards by globalisation
• III. The meaning and function of International Labour Standards.
• IV. The ILO and the effectiveness of International Labour Standards.
• V. Paradigm shift: From sanctions to cooperation.
  • 1. Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work 1998
  • 2. Revision of standards
  • 3. The "Decent work" agenda and the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization 2008
• VI. The role of international economic law
• VII. The growing importance of private actors in promoting International Labour Standards
  • 1. The shift from public to private regulation
  • 2. The OECD Guidelines, the ILO Tripartite Declaration and the Global Compact
    • a. The OECD Guidelines
    • b. The ILO Tripartite Declaration concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy
    • c. The UN Global Compact
  • 3. Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Codes of Conduct in the private sector
  • 4. Trade union and NGO related forms of action.
• VIII. Conclusion:

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This essay examines the challenges posed to international labour standards (ILS) by globalization, particularly those experienced by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). It explores the shift from public to private regulation in the enforcement of ILS and argues that this interdependency is crucial for the success and effectiveness of ILS in a globalized world.

• Globalization and its impact on labour standards
• The role of the ILO in setting and enforcing international labour standards
• The shift from public to private regulation of labor standards
• The interdependency of public and private actors in promoting ILS
• The future of international labor standards in a globalized world

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

I. Introduction:

This chapter introduces the essay's focus on the influence of globalization on the nature and regulation of work, highlighting the challenges posed to international labor standards (ILS) by the rise of multinational corporations (MNCs) and the changing role of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). It also previews the essay's key argument: the growing interdependency between public and private actors in the regulation of ILS.

II. Labour law in the context of globalisation

This chapter provides a concise overview of globalization and its impact on labour standards. It discusses the progressive internationalization of the economy, including the increased mobility of capital and the growth of multinational corporations, and examines the challenges that this presents for the regulation of labor.

III. The meaning and function of International Labour Standards.

This chapter delves into the definition and purpose of international labour standards (ILS). It explores the role of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in setting and promoting these standards.

IV. The ILO and the effectiveness of International Labour Standards.

This chapter examines the effectiveness of the ILO in setting and enforcing international labour standards. It discusses the challenges the ILO faces in a globalized world, including the rise of private regulation and the changing nature of work.

V. Paradigm shift: From sanctions to cooperation.

This chapter analyzes the significant shift in the ILO's approach to promoting international labor standards, moving away from sanctions and towards a more cooperative model. It discusses the key developments that have led to this shift, including the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (1998), the revision of standards, and the "Decent work" agenda.

VI. The role of international economic law

This chapter briefly examines the role of international economic law in the context of international labor standards. It touches on how trade agreements and other international economic regulations can influence labor standards.

VII. The growing importance of private actors in promoting International Labour Standards

This chapter delves into the growing role of private actors in promoting international labor standards. It discusses the shift from public to private regulation and examines various initiatives, such as the OECD Guidelines, the ILO Tripartite Declaration, and the UN Global Compact. The chapter also explores the role of corporate social responsibility, corporate codes of conduct, and trade union and NGO related actions in promoting labor standards.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This essay focuses on the role of international labour standards (ILS) in a globalized economy. It explores the challenges posed by globalization to these standards, particularly those faced by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The essay examines the shift from public to private regulation of labor standards and argues that the interdependency of public and private actors is crucial for the future success and effectiveness of ILS. Key concepts include: globalization, international labor standards, ILO, multinational corporations, private regulation, corporate social responsibility, and the "Decent work" agenda.