Cross-border Labor Research Articles

Resilience of regional container port network: based on projection correlation and dynamic spatial Markov Chain

ABSTRACT Ports are interconnected by shipping routes within the global logistics network. Shocks and risks stemming from financial crises, epidemics, ecology, and so on have prompted shifts in cross-border labor division towards regional cooperation, reflecting an ‘anti-globalization’ trend. Despite these dynamics, few studies have analyzed the spatial structure and dynamic evolution of resilience within regional container port network. Addressing this gap, this study considers spatial and dynamic attributes to identify influential factors of resilience and introduces the concept of spatial lag-multidimensional resistance (SL-MR) to strengthen the understanding and cognition of regional container port network resilience (RCPNR). By ports in Tianjin and Hebei, China, it constructs a dynamic spatial Markov chain (DSMC) based on the projection correlation (PC index) to dissect transition trajectories amid financial crises and other conflicts. The findings indicate: (1) The regional container port network often experiences a low-level path dependence like ‘poverty trap.’ (2) Hierarchical spatial lags significantly influence the transition probability of container port network resilience degradation, with regional port relationships being unidirectional rather than cooperative. (3) The impact of the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic on regional port resilience varies, serving as key determinants in shaping diverse resilience types.

The governance architecture of transnational labor regulation

ABSTRACT Working conditions in a global context reveal a dramatic reality for workers in the Global South. In conjunction with the prevailing process of capital accumulation and economic growth and the new forms of poverty that accompany it, some contributions generate the image of an unregulated world of labor relations and a powerless workforce. Either the weaknesses and gaps in cross-border labor regulation are used to outline an almost insoluble problem, or a return to the salvation of the nation state is called for. The reaction to this view often leads to an exchange of blows and results in a dichotomous debate. Instead, this article sheds light on the historical complexities of national to transnational labor regulation, from the establishment of the first international trade union secretariats to modern multi-stakeholder agreements. Based on a historical analysis, this article argues that a gradual institutionalization can be observed over 130 years, while revealing a complex transnational regime-like governance architecture. Drawing on the Ecology approach, a framework is developed to capture this complex structure. It is shown that, despite the expansion of governance structures, there is a lack of legitimized control, sanction and enforcement mechanisms to comprehensively counteract labor rights violations.

Improved cross-border relevance through integrated interventions: the TAPE tool of the INTERREG V-A Slovakia-Hungary Programme

ABSTRACT The paper presents the first outcomes and results of using an integrated territorial tool applied by the Interreg V-A Slovakia-Hungary Cooperation Programme (2014–2020), the ‘Territorial Action Plan for Employment’, or, briefly: the TAPE. The tool is aimed at facilitating quality employment and cross-border labour mobility through the implementation of 2–7 interdependent projects within a geographically defined subregion of the programme area, with the involvement of SMEs, training institutions, NGOs and municipalities. The author introduces the tool and the nine TAPEs financed by the CBC programme and gives a comprehensive assessment of their outcomes and results from the points of view of cross-border labour market development, integrated soft planning and trust building with a special focus on the aspect of cross-border relevance. The study concludes that the tool does not meet the preliminary expectations: its cross-border relevance is not much stronger than the traditional standalone CBC projects. At the same time, the bottom-up cross-border planning exercise has significant added value which might make the tool attractive for other CBC programmes, too.

Possibilities of using interim measures in cross-border labor disputes: problem statement

The article discusses problematic issues of applying interim measures in cross-border labor disputes. The purpose of the work is to clarify the problems of adapting existing interim measures to these types of legal disputes. The results of the work are of scientific importance, since they allow us to streamline knowledge about the use of interim measures when considering cross-border labor disputes, and also represent practical significance for participants in such disputes, their representatives and courts. These issues are considered for the first time in the literature from the point of view of the problems of their resolution not only by the courts, but also by executive authorities called upon to execute judicial acts on measures to ensure claims in individual labor disputes.

International Labor Relations

International Labor Relations (ILR) encapsulates the multifaceted interactions and dynamics shaping the global workforce's landscape. In an increasingly interconnected world, characterized by globalization, technological advancements, and economic interdependence, labor relations extend beyond national boundaries, influencing and being influenced by various factors. This abstract provides a succinct overview of the key themes, challenges, and opportunities within the realm of International Labor Relations. The study of ILR encompasses diverse aspects, including cross-border labor migration, multinational corporations' employment practices, labor standards, and international trade agreements' impact on employment. Central to ILR is the examination of the interactions between governments, employers, workers, and international organizations, as they navigate complex socio-economic and political contexts. Globalization has profoundly shaped ILR, fostering the integration of economies and labor markets across countries. As a result, labor issues increasingly transcend national borders, posing both opportunities and challenges for workers, employers, and policymakers. Technological advancements, such as automation and digitalization, further complicate labor dynamics, influencing employment patterns and skills requirements on a global scale. Challenges within ILR include ensuring decent work conditions, protecting workers' rights, and addressing inequalities in labor markets. Issues such as informal employment, gender disparities, and the informalization of labor pose significant hurdles to achieving inclusive and sustainable growth. Moreover, the rise of global supply chains has raised concerns about labor exploitation and the enforcement of labor standards across borders. International organizations play a crucial role in shaping ILR through the development and implementation of labor standards, conventions, and guidelines. Institutions like the International Labour Organization (ILO) provide platforms for dialogue and cooperation among governments, employers, and workers to address labor-related challenges and promote social justice. In conclusion, International Labor Relations are complex and dynamic, influenced by globalization, technological advancements, and economic forces. Addressing the diverse challenges within ILR requires collaborative efforts from governments, employers, workers, and international organizations to ensure fair and inclusive labor practices and promote sustainable development globally. Received: 25 December 2023 / Accepted: 25 February 2024 / Published: 23 April 2024

Casualties of border changes: evidence from nighttime lights and plant exit

Abstract We investigate the economic effects of the Russia–Ukraine conflict – following the 2014 annexation of Crimea – on Russian border regions. While southern regions gained market access to Crimea, northern regions lost market access to Ukraine. Using nighttime lights data and geo-referenced plant-level data, we find that regions with deteriorating market access saw 43% less growth in lights – translating into 6–12% lower growth in GDP depending on the assumed lights-GDP elasticity – and a 35% increase in the exit probability for manufacturing plants after 2014. Exploiting variations in closed local border crossings in the northern regions, we find that these effects may be partly driven by less cross-border labour flows.

Socio-Cultural Dynamics of Cross-Border Labour Migration between Nepal and India

The enduring relationship between Nepal and India is the focus of this study, which delves into the social and cultural dynamics adopted by Nepali and Indian labour migrants in their respective destinations. The study extends to the examination of labour migrants' social backgrounds, encompassing aspects such as religion, caste, ethnicity, education, and family structure. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study incorporates case studies supported by field observations in the destination countries. The gathered data undergoes analysis through descriptive statistics, allowing for a comparative assessment between the two migrant groups. While the socio-cultural status of both groups exhibits slight differences, disparities in caste and ethnicity indicators are noted between Nepal and India. Notably, a significant proportion of Nepali labour migrants hail from Dalit communities when compared to other caste and ethnic groups. In contrast, Indian labour migrants, predominantly from the Other Backward Class (OBC), exhibit a different trend. The volume of Nepali labour migrants heading to India surpasses that of Indian labour migrants to Nepal. The shorter migration distance for Indian labour migrants enables frequent visits to their place of origin, facilitating the celebration of local traditions and culture. In contrast, Nepali labour migrants encounter fewer opportunities to return to their destination regularly. A noteworthy observation is the comparatively higher educational status of Nepali labour migrants as opposed to their Indian counterparts heading to Nepal. The nuanced differences between the two migrant groups correlate with their religious affiliations and socio-economic backgrounds. Interestingly, both groups exhibit a limited number of enrolled children in destination schools, indicating a shared challenge in accessing education opportunities.

Vietnamese Frontier Worker Across Vietnam: China Border Case Study of Two Provinces Ha Giang and Quang Ninh

The region along the Vietnam–China border is given particular attention in terms of national security, economic security, financial security, social security, and human security. Presently, a large number of Vietnamese employees cross the border into China to find employment, and a similar number of Chinese workers enter into Vietnam. In order to assess the current state of cross-border labor, the paper chooses a case study technique with two bordering areas, Ha Giang and Quang Ninh, from which comparisons can be made about the degree of development and the direction of labor management. The study confirms that there are inequalities and development gaps that have led to differences in management and solutions in the two localities. As a result, solutions to establish sustainable and equitable development between the two localities — especially in mountainous regions and with a significant number of ethnic minorities — are proposed.

Exploring Cross-Border Labor Commuting as a Practice of Tactical Mobility

Within the last few years there has been an increased interest in the interplay of structure and agency in border studies. Following the strategic-relational approach, these studies generally focus on territorial actors, particularly subnational institutions and how they use their capacities, to establish transnational cooperation and networks, to overcome the obstacles resulting from national and / or multi-governmental policies. Like subnational organizations and institutions on border regions, cross-border commuters develop and use tactics to overcome the socio-economic and legal risks and crises. Based on the thematic analysis of the semi-structured interviews with commuters from Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Poland, it is demonstrated that by being mobile across the borders, commuters aim at gaining flexibility and a relatively advantageous position in housing and labor markets of different countries. This paper, by referring to the strategic-relational approach, argues that cross-border mobility is practiced as a form of tactical mobility in which commuters constantly revise their mobility practices, depending on new, emerging socio-economic conditions. Moreover, by referring to the concept of de Certeau’s (1984) tactic, three main typologies of cross-border mobility are conceptualized.

Incubating factors in the home country and job satisfaction in a host nation: An analysis on cross-border labor

Understanding the factors that affect labor satisfaction in the home country and their satisfaction in a host nation is very important. Therefore, this study investigates the job satisfaction of Vietnamese workers who frequently travel to China for employment. It utilizes Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to explore the impact of external factors, particularly the support provided by their home countries. The survey collected data from 317 respondents randomly selected from lists provided by local authorities in three provinces adjacent to China, using a combination of face-to-face interviews and Internet calls. The respondents are individuals who regularly go to China for work. The study uses four main latent variables, consisting of a total of 17 measures that encompass both endogenous and exogenous factors associated with support from the home country. The findings indicate a significant influence of post-return quality of life and the acquisition of work-related skills through training programs on job satisfaction. Additionally, the regression coefficient value reveals a statistically significant negative correlation between job satisfaction and skills acquired through short training courses. However, no statistically significant relationship is found between the latent variable of media and employees’ job satisfaction. Based on the findings, this study suggests that policymakers and authorities should always assist migrants in reintegrating into their communities by supporting convenient registration procedures, providing relevant information, and giving necessary livelihood guidance. AcknowledgmentsThis article is an output of a research project titled: Cross-border labor at the Vietnam-China border area: problems, effects, and solutions, funded by Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences.

Morocco’s northern border region: gender, labour and mobility

This paper presents the results of two recent studies on gender, labour and mobility on the borders between Morocco and Spain. Industrial relocation and the feminised labour market was the first focus of our attention. Subsequently, we integrated research on cross-border labour markets, such as the small-scale commercial activity carried out by women. The objective of these studies is to understand the impacts of globalisation processes, such as industrial relocation and border dynamics, on the daily lives of women. Therefore, we consider theoretical approaches to female participation in emerging economic circuits in developing countries as a macro-vision that enables contextualisation at a micro-social level. At the micro level, our analysis draws from the notion of lived precariousness as a perspective that allows us to examine the testimonies and the meaning they give to their experience. The results not only indicate that the complexity of border life and its precariousness represent a challenge for women – who develop different ways of dealing with structural and cultural limits as they strive for more substantial autonomy and empowerment – but also provide a glimpse of a broader trend in female economic participation in these circuits that appears to reproduce gender inequalities and pose new obstacles.

Why do Labour Migrants Cross their Border? : A Comparative Analysis between Nepal and India

Cross-border labour migration is the livelihood strategy between Nepal and India for a long. The purpose of this research is to compare and contrast the causes of cross-border labor migration between Nepal and India, with a particular focus on Nepal’s Sudurpaschim Province. Research is designed inthe post-positivism paradigm, using a mixed method with a strong emphasis on quantitative methods, i.e. QUAN-qual mixing. Field survey and Key Informant Interview (KII) including Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were conducted. The sample size was determined statistically where 370 samples (Nepali labour-migrants to India) and 280 samples (Indian labour-migrants to Nepal) were calculated. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for both groups of migrants and then compared between Nepali labour migrants to India and Indian labour migrants to Nepal. The main causes of labour migration between Nepal and India are observed as a short distance, easy entry exit, open border, social net work, travel cost, easily communicable, language similarities, climate match and migration decision. The job insecurity and irregularities of getting employment at origin seems major pushing factors in case of Nepali labour migrants but in case of Indian labour migrants, they choose their destination for better opportunities. About 93.0 percent of Nepali labour-migrants and 100 percent of Indian labour-migrants are migrated due to economic causes (i.e. lack of better opportunities, unemployment, poverty) while seven percent of Nepali labour-migrants are found migrate due to the political conflict in Nepal. The result of this study is applicable to understand the current situation of cross border labour migrants which can be supportive to develop the new strategies for economic and safer migration between two countries.

Optimal solar photovoltaic site selection using geographic information system–based modeling techniques and assessing environmental and economic impacts: The case of Kurdistan

This study explores the potential of solar photovoltaic farms in Kurdistan Province, Iran, using Geographic Information System–based site-selection methods (analytic hierarchy process, network analysis process, and technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution). The spatial-analysis results show that11.19% of the study area is suitable for photovoltaic farms, with medium suitability accounting for10.05% and high suitability accounting for1.14%. The high-suitability areas have the potential to generate3.2% of Iran’s total electricity consumption and100% of Kurdistan’s total electricity consumption. The construction of these farms would create an average of73,154job-years in construction and7,878permanent jobs in operation and maintenance, with transfer benefits of $201.9million during construction and $39.76million annually in operation and maintenance. Additionally, constructing photovoltaic farms would reduce100% of CO2, SO2, and NOx emissions in Kurdistan and potentially address the cross-border labor issue. The induced social benefits from replacing natural gas–generated energy with solar energy are estimated to be $154,224.3, resulting from reductions in CO2, SO2, and NOx gas emissions and lower premature mortality with an estimated benefit of $25.3million. These results can inform policy and investment strategies for renewable energy development in regions with similar environmental and economic conditions.

Quality of Space as Experienced: Impacts of Needs and Affordability on Spatial Appropriation of Cross-border Labor Commuters

Quality of Space as Experienced: Impacts of Needs and Affordability on Spatial Appropriation of Cross-border Labor Commuters

Het transnationale begin van de Nederlandse mijnwerkersvakbonden. Een voorbeeld van de nationalisering van arbeidersbewegingen (1907-1926)

The Transnational Origins of Dutch Miners’ Unionism. A Case-Study in the Nationalization of Labour Movements. Several authors have argued that from the late nineteenth century onwards labour markets became increasingly organized and regulated nationally, by national social security arrangements, collective agreements, systems of labour exchange and migration control. As a consequence, members of the working classes began to consider themselves, and to be considered, as national citizens, and labour movements became nationalized. The First World War marked a watershed in this process. In this article, I want to explore to what extent this development influenced attitudes of the two Dutch miners’ unions, of which the originally inter-confessional one would become the most prominent. Until the First World War labour markets in the Limburg coalmining district and in the adjacent German Aachen district were fully integrated, and so were the nascent miners’ unions. On the eve of the First World War the Dutch inter-confessional union even became a branch of the German Christliche Gewerkverein. This all changed after the War, until in 1922 all ties with the Germans were severed, and the soon to become officially Catholic union reoriented on the Dutch state and the Limburg region. This article describes the transnational origins of the miners’ unions against the background of the cross-border labour market in the borderlands, and the effects of the territorialisation of labour markets on the originally transnational orientation of the unions after the First World War.

‘Framing’ and ‘packaging’ of foreign skilled workers: diversity of the intermediary actors in the cross-border labour market between Japan and Vietnam

ABSTRACT Intermediaries are indispensable for processing the mobility of international migrants. In the absence of an official migration policy in Japan, this requirement of intermediaries is not an exception. This paper examines the different approaches of Japanese intermediaries towards Japanese client firms and Vietnamese early-career professionals employed in the information technology sector in the cross-border labour market between Japan and Vietnam. Two major results are derived based on data from semi-structured interviews. First, recruitment companies instruct labour users, and recruitment organizations seek to ‘frame’ a job post for migrant workers for a successful visa application. Second, temporary staffing firms ‘package’ multiple Vietnamese workers to provide the necessary labour to clients. This study argues that different types of intermediaries are present in the employment process of early-career foreign skilled labourers and that a temporary staffing firm intervenes the most actively in the employment process of skilled migrants among other intermediaries.

The Construction of Specialized Institution for Cross-Border Labor Arbitration in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

As the main means of resolving labor disputes, labor dispute arbitration has played an important role in resolving labor disputes in China, protecting the legitimate rights and interests of the parties, and promoting harmonious and stable labor relations. The governments and social organizations of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao are building a social governance pattern of co-construction and co-governance and a multi-dispute handling mechanism of labor disputes. In this context, the existing labor dispute arbitration institutions in China are no longer sufficient to solve the problems of cross-border labor disputes. It is feasible and necessary to build a specialized institution for cross-border labor arbitration in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Based on this, the article puts forward feasible suggestions on the positioning, construction mode, personnel composition and supporting mechanism setting of specialized agencies, to make up for the deficiencies of the current labor dispute resolution mechanism, and to promote the construction of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao labor relations and the legalization process in the Greater Bay.

ТЕОРЕТИЧНИЙ ДИСКУРС МІЖНАРОДНОЇ ТРУДОВОЇ МІГРАЦІЇ: ЕКОНОМІЧНИЙ ВИМІР

The dominant channels of globalization of the labor market, as one of the determining patterns of its modern structural transformation, are, on the one hand, the convergence of individual subsystems of national labor markets and the elimination of legal, national-ethnic, cultural-humanitarian and other barriers between them, and on the other – international labor migration. Due to its economic nature and the driving forces of development, the cross-border movement of labor resources is an extremely complex process capable of exerting a powerful transformational influence on both the scale and structure of national labor markets, as well as the demographic, professional-qualification, educational, gender, and age composition of the population of states and entire regions. It is no accident that issues related to the regulation of international labor migration processes have become an integral component of global economic policy and the adoption of various political decisions regarding interstate cooperation in recent decades. In this regard, the substantiation of the conceptual design of the global theory of labor migration based on the generalization of its theoretical arsenal and taking into account the most constructive elements of existing theories and concepts acquires significant theoretical and methodological importance. And to generalize the theoretical discourse of international labor migration processes, let us emphasize the following: each of the theories and concepts of cross-border labor movement, having its competitive advantages and methodological flaws, performed an important ontological function in the formation of scientific views on its essence, driving forces, vector orientation, organizational-economic and institutional-regulatory formats, as well as the mechanisms of the impact of migration on global employment and the functioning of national labor markets. Their key methodological principles make it possible to adequately understand the key patterns of the development of international labor migration at various stages of global economic development, to forecast their prospective trends, as well as to develop effective migration policies of states and regional groups. Despite the fact that various aspects of the classical concepts of labor migration to some extent lose their relevance in modern conditions, they are still actively used by states and regional groups to solve a wide range of strategic goals and tasks of competitive development.

Hiring in border regions: experimental and qualitative evidence from a recruiter survey in Luxembourg

Firms in border regions typically deal with heterogeneous applicant pools that include both (foreign) domestic workers and cross-border commuters. However, we know little about recruiters’ workforce needs and hiring practices in cross-border labour markets. Based on a survey of real recruiters in Luxembourg, this study presents experimental and qualitative findings on the role of country of residence in recruiters’ hiring intentions against foreigners. Luxembourg presents a rarely studied but highly relevant case for hiring practices owing to a combination of a strong economy, strict labour market regulations, and a transnational workforce. Drawing on data from a factorial survey experiment, we found no discrimination against Portuguese and French applicants living in Luxembourg. Yet, (highly skilled) cross-border workers from France and Germany faced disadvantages regarding recruiters’ hiring intentions. However, differences in effect sizes between foreigners and cross-border workers were small and not statistically significant. When further asked about the potential challenges of recruiting in Luxembourg’s cross-border labour market, respondents expressed concerns about flexibility, poor social fit, and cultural differences in hiring foreign and cross-border employees. Overall, our study provides further points of reference for studies on hiring intentions in cross-border labour markets across Europe.

Posting of workers and the border of the labour market

Drawing on research conducted by the authors in the frame of the POSTING.STAT research project, this article explores the legal fiction that posted workers do not, at any time, ‘gain access’ to the labour market of a host State where they are in fact (temporarily) working. Hence, it analyses following question: at what point and under which circumstances are posted workers considered as working in a given Member State? To do so, it considers the use of the concept of ‘labour market’ across the case law of the Court of Justice concerning posting workers, to identify the constitutive elements of the implicit definition adopted by the Court. This analysis is compared with economic/statistical assumptions applied when measuring employment in a country. From a statistical point of view, the labour market appears to be demarcated by the place of establishment of the employer, thus excluding work (i.e., services) carried out through non-established employers. Consequently, cross-border labour mobility through the freedom to provide services does not fall within these boundaries and means that posted workers are counted in the employment statistics of their Member State of origin. The approach to posted workers in the labour market of the host State is therefore not only a legal, but also a statistical/economic, fiction. Based on an empirical reality that shows a strong concentration of posted workers in certain sectors, Member States or regions, we argue that courts and legislators, and also national statistical offices, should reconsider this approach.