Internationalisation of Labour Law: The Lesotho Experience

Abstract

This article considers Lesotho’s labour laws in the light of the country’s obligations under international labour standards. It assesses the extent to which the international labour standards have had an impact on the development of labour law in Lesotho. It argues that Lesotho’s various Acts perpetuate the country’s non-compliance with International Labour Organization standards as significant aspects of the Acts still undermine workers’ rights. It contends that Lesotho still has a long way to go towards fulfilling the expectations of the International Labour Organization. After noting the various labour-law concepts in the international labour standards which have had an impact on Lesotho law and reviewing the sources of Lesotho’s obligations to respect the various workers’ rights, the article focuses on the workers’ rights to join trade union organisations, the promotion of free and voluntary collective bargaining and the right to strike. The article concludes that reforms are needed to internationalise Lesotho’s labour law further, in line with International Labour Organization requirements, so that workers’ rights are protected.