Implementation Of Labour Standards Research Articles

Labour standards and corporate social responsibility: the case of Turkish apparel industry

ABSTRACT Since the late 1960s, multinational companies have shifted labour-intensive production, such as textiles and apparel, from developed to developing countries, resulting in very low wages and deplorable working conditions in these regions. This instigated discussions on the implementation of labour standards at the global level. These discussions took place within international institutions such as the ILO, OECD, and the UN until the 1980s. After that, non-governmental organizations began to be concerned with the appalling conditions of workers in global factories by promoting self-developed corporate social responsibility codes. Despite the very rich literature that exists about the effectiveness of multi-stakeholder corporate social responsibility codes, the literature on this subject is quite limited in Turkey. This study aims to examine the extent to which the corporate social responsibility codes of multi-stakeholder initiatives operating in Turkey, in the supplier firms producing for global brands in the apparel industry, have improved the effectiveness of labour standards. Based on interviews with multi-stakeholder initiatives and document analysis on the subject, the study shows that these codes that suppliers to global brands in the Turkish apparel industry must comply with, are largely cosmetic images and are ineffective in improving labour standards.

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

Globalisation and Labour Structures: A Dubious Deal

This paper discusses some of the main transformations occurring in the labour market in recent years and will try to trace how globalization has influenced these changes. It argues that in the context of work, globalization can be understood as a cause and consequence process. As a consequence, the transformations of capital/labour relations have produced an economic and social paradigm, which has helped to feed and expand the tenets of the principles of globalization. As a cause, the globalization project reproduces market-oriented policies that undermine labour relations (labour standards), making them more volatile and less secure for workers around the world. In this dualistic dynamic, labour patterns are essential for understanding the motivations and future changes in the globalization process, but also for establishing more coordinated policies to enhance the quality and implementation of labour standards.

Providing a Safe Working Environment: Do Firm Ownership and Exporting Status Matter?

This paper hypothesizes that there exists a relationship between the exporting and ownership characteristics of firms and the incidence of accidents at work, using a detailed dataset of manufacturing firms in Viet Nam. There appears to be a positive and highly significant effect of both exporting and foreign ownership on the frequency of accidents. The results obtained are robust across various specifications as well as alternative measures of exporting status and the severity of accidents. The study highlights a greater need for the implementation of labor standards in countries that are becoming increasingly reliant on globalization as a source of economic growth.

The Impact of International Labor Standards: A Survey of Economic Theory

The main question guiding this study is whether international labor standards will benefit the poor, in particular, developing countries and the poor in those countries. We survey the theoretical literature on international labor standards, and give an overview of the analytical framework and main arguments provided in this literature. Among the situations in which a case for labor standards may arise are imperfections in labor markets, market power effects in international trade, and concerns that consumers, or individuals in general, may have about the working conditions or rights that other individuals enjoy. We emphasize the importance of making clear the value judgments being used, and discuss the different institutional issues that may arise in considering the implementation of labor standards. In general, while there are contexts in which promoting labor standards through some form of collective action is beneficial, we argue that such policies ought to be incorporated into a broader perspective on well-being, and a package of policies that can promote the well-being of the poor.