‘The right to (decent) work. The right to everyone or “chosen” ones?’ The situation in Poland

Agata Ludera-Ruszel

doi:10.14746/rpeis.2021.83.1.11

Abstract

Work represents a particular economical, social and psychological relevance to the worker. Because of a personal dimension of work, that involves human beings, it cannot be separated from workers. The approach to human labour as not a market product, but as a human being, is contained in the statement that ‘labour is not a commodity’, firstly expressed in the International Labour Organization’s 1944 Declaration of Philadelphia. The reference to this assumption more recently on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of ILO activities clearly evidence that the history of labour has come full circle and the idea of decent work for workers has returned to being the centre of labour law regulations. The concerns relating to the inadequate protection of workers coincided in time with the transformative change in the world of work. With this in mind, it is then worth considering more deeply whether a decent job is an ‘exclusive’ and ‘luxurious’ ideal, and leave outside its scope a number of workers who are in need of protection because of their unique situation. The position of Poland in this picture will be analysed.

Highlights

The history of human labour is a history of slavery, exploitation, inhumanity, poverty, disasters, risk of death, inequalities and injustices.[1]
The approach to work that treats it as an economic good sidesteps two observations that serve as a reference point for some considerations on the issue of decent work
There is the presumption is that work involves human beings and has a personal dimension which cannot be separated from workers

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The history of human labour is a history of slavery, exploitation, inhumanity, poverty, disasters, risk of death, inequalities and injustices.[1]. There is the presumption is that work involves human beings and has a personal dimension which cannot be separated from workers The worker, his or her feelings, needs and nature cannot be completely kept out of view.[3] The approach to human labour as not a market product, but as a human being, is contained in the statement that ‘labour is not a commodity’. This was firstly expressed in the ILOs’ 1944 Declaration of. The position of Poland in this state of affairs will be analysed

DECENT WORK – WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

NON-EMPLOYEE ‘SUBORDINATE’ EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS

CONCLUSIONS

Summary