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Picture Credit: Oxfam International Labor Rights and Labor Movements
Working conditions should be protected by well-enforced rules – rules that guarantee workers the right to organize, to have limits on their work day, to be paid a minimum wage, to enjoy social security and more. Workers have enjoyed these guarantees in the rich countries for nearly a century, but recently governments have been weakening the rules in the name of “global competition.” Meanwhile, in spite of many conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), workers in poor countries have few rights or protections, and some endure terrible working conditions. Financial crises in Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America have only made matters worse. And the Bretton Woods Institutions have long tried to weaken regulations governing employers’ obligations to their workers. The following materials look at these issues and the growing international movement to strengthen workers’ rights – an essential part of the movement towards global citizenship.
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2007 |2006 | 2005 | Archived Articles
International Labor Organizations (September 18, 2000)
In this extensive paper for the Columbia University Labor Seminar, Sumner Rosen details the global history of labor rights, from the first inter-union cooperations and Communist Internationals to the recent developments within the ILO. An excellent introduction to the topic!2007
Trade Unions and Globalisation: Enlarging Agendas (November 22, 2007)
In response to growing economic globalization, more integrated global markets and international production systems, trade unions across the globe are joining forces. The unions increasingly coordinate their work to advocate international labor standards and rules of conduct for transnational companies. They encourage national governments to secure “proper regulation, taxation and transparency” for private sectors. (World Economy and Development)Massive Inequality is Unexamined Fault Line Behind GM Walk-Out (October 2, 2007)
In the first half of the twentieth century, US labor unions struggled successfully to improve wages and working conditions. The unions had support from high level politicians, among them President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who proposed the idea of a maximum wage to counter income inequality. Even though the Congress never adopted the maximum wage, high wages were held down by high taxes. Since then, US administrations have lowered tax rates and the strength and influence of labor movements has been diminished. Organized General Motors auto workers are now trying to reverse the trend, as was demonstrated through their factory walkout in October 2007. (AlterNet)ASEAN Assumes Migrant Rights Duties (August 2, 2007)
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has agreed to set up a commission that seeks to protect and uphold the rights of migrant workers. With this commission, sending states will eliminate company negligence by guaranteeing official and valid contracts to workers, while receiving states will encourage job security, payment of salaries and the right to decent working and living conditions for migrant workers. According to a report by Amnesty International, migrant workers in Thailand have endured human rights violations from employers, including “forcible return to their countries, inhuman treatment in immigration detention centers and unsafe working and living conditions”. (Inter Press Service)Multinationals to China: No New Labor Rights (May 16, 2007)
US and European corporations in China are trying to block a new law that would improve the working conditions of workers as well as increase their power and protection. Despite China’s economic growth, most Chinese workers live on the edge of poverty, earning very little and working in appalling conditions. Multinational companies sent the Chinese government extensive attacks on the proposed law even threatening to leave if the law is passed. (Multinational Monitor)Globalization and Child Labor: The Cause Can Also Be A Cure (March 13, 2007)
This YaleGlobal article reports that, while economic globalization has brought about forced child labor, political globalization can “put an end to the practice” through public opinion. The 2001 Cocoa Protocol, for example, which promoted a label certifying chocolate products as “child labor free,” arose out of global public outcry over the human rights violations in the cacao industry. However, the author argues that only a broad, unified approach by policymakers, companies, and civil society can successfully end the exploitation of child labor.2006
Secrets, Lies, and Sweatshops (November 27, 2006)
While most US retailers assert that their offshore suppliers comply with widely accepted labor codes of conduct, this BusinessWeek piece exposes a very widespread praxis of concealing labor rights abuses in Chinese factories, the largest single source of US imports. The article chronicles one example after the other of Chinese factories keeping double sets of books to fool labor standard auditors, and even using consultants to coach managers in how to mislead auditors. While US companies express regret with their Chinese suppliers’ labor standard violations, factory managers complain that the retailers’ continuous pressure for low prices forces the violations. Ultimately, the article highlights the problematic coexistence of humane working conditions with inexpensive clothes and electronics for US consumers.Hey, Nice Clothes. But Are They Ethical? (October 13, 2006)
This Christian Science Monitor article tells how Lesotho has succeeded in giving new life to its textile business by becoming an origin of “ethical clothing.” Companies “promise customers” that they do not use sweatshop labor in Sotho clothes production, and that “working conditions me[e]t high safety standards.” Under rock star Bono’s ‘Product Red’ label, companies like Gap and Emporio Armani sell a variety of ethical goods, and give a portion of the profits to the ‘Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.’ According to a representative of the Ethical Trading Initiative, “there has been a huge surge” in consumer interest in ethical fashion.Realizing Decent Work in Asia (August-September 2006)
This International Labor Organization (ILO) report highlights how unemployment in Asia has increased despite robust growth in investment, output and productivity. Moreover, since employers continuously fall short of providing “decent work” conditions, employment fails to reduce poverty. One billion “working poor” in Asia live on less than US$2 a day, 330 million of these on less than US$1. The particularly high unemployment rates among the young and a working age population set to grow rapidly over the next decade spurs further concern. On the other hand, the ILO finds Asia has the potential to take the lead on decent job creation.Africa Adds to Miserable Ranks of Child Workers (August 24, 2006)
This powerful New York Times article highlights the experience of a nine-year-old quarry worker in Zambia. The child labor problem in sub-Saharan Africa not only deprives young workers of their childhood, but also furthers a cycle of poverty where they remain illiterate and sometimes turn to illegal or dangerous activities to survive. The author notes that child labor goes beyond a legal issue, since poverty and disease contribute to the growing incidence of child labor and many families can barely afford to eat.Child Labour - Slow Progress, Right Direction (June 13, 2006)
Statistics show an 11% decline in the number of child workers from 2000 to 2004. Although governments can claim success in this moderate improvement, the worst forms of child labor persist. The International Labor Organization (ILO) calls on all governments to make the “right” policy decisions concerning child labor, and to ensure that children who do work “get a fair share of economic growth and development.” (Inter Press Service)2005
Globalization Failing to Create New, Quality Jobs or Reduce Poverty (December 9, 2005)
Neoliberal globalization is failing “to translate into new and better jobs that lead to a reduction in poverty” says a report from the International Labour Organization (ILO). According to ILO’s figures, half the world’s workers do not enjoy decent work conditions, and cannot lift themselves above the poverty line. The report points out that world leaders have still not made poverty reduction a priority.Behind Gold’s Glitter: Torn Lands and Pointed Questions (October 24, 2005)
In past centuries, gold represented a valuable natural resource that strengthened empires, economies and currencies. Nowadays, more than 80% of gold mining activity serves rich countries’ jewelry demand and it takes place mostly in poor countries. Toxic wastes from mining pollute oceans, rivers and soil, and gold mining companies are exposing workers to indecent and dangerous conditions. As this article points out, this should be too high a price for rings and necklaces. (New York Times)The price of Cheap Beef: Disease, Deforestation, Slavery and Murder (October 18, 2005)
The EU and the US spend billions to subsidize their beef farmers, but these subsidies represent only a part of the problem of global beef trade. In 2004, the environmental impact of beef production reached intolerable levels and the expansion of cattle ranching destroyed 26000 sq km of the Amazon rain forest. The social impact is even worse: in Brazil, beef producers hire people to work in slave conditions and have been known to murder those who try to stop this destruction. Maybe, as the author suggests, “we shouldn’t be eating beef at all.” (Guardian)ICFTU Annual Survey: Grim Global Catalogue of Anti-Union Repression (October 18, 2005)
Neoliberal economists maintain that an open market will bring more freedom and wealth for everyone. The 2005 annual survey from the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions shows that, in reality, neoliberal policies undermine labor rights. Analyzing different levels of repression, the document stresses that trade unionists “continue to face imprisonment, dismissal and discrimination” worldwide, particularly in Export Processing Zones. Nordic countries represent the only model where competitive economies relate directly to strong respect for workers’ rights."In a Situation Like This, Who Cares About Human Rights?" (October 5, 2005)
The World Bank views Export Processing Zones (EPZ) as an excellent option for poor countries to join the global market. This article describes the conditions of an EPZ on the outskirts of Nairobi, where workers earn three dollars a day without any form of benefits. Rather than liberate people worldwide, the free market has created a new slavery. (Inter Press Service)The Global Labor Threat (September 29, 2005)
Policy makers and economists supporting neoliberal globalization have always argued that low wages of poor countries represent an excellent opportunity for these countries to compete in the global market. However, competition has also brought down wages in rich countries, accelerating the race against the bottom on a global level and making it harder for all workers to afford a decent life. Focusing on the US workers' situation, this article calls for the establishment of “fair and just rules that make the economy work for all.” (TomPaine)
The IFI’s Role in Implementing Global Commitments to Achieve the Millennium Development Goals (September 2005)
The International Financial Institutions (IFI) continue imposing “privatization of public services and unilateral trade liberalization, attached to debt relief and other assistance” on recipient countries. This Global Unions statement to the 2005 Annual Meeting of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, argues that IFI lending and policy recommendations "should give priority to decent employment creation, comprehensive social protection, and respect of core labour standards.”
Gold Miners Exploit Children (August 26, 2005)
Niger has ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its national law also bans child labor. However, 63% of Niger’s population lives below the poverty line and, in the absence of school feeding programs, children represent a significant portion of the workforce. This article urges the global community to strengthen the International Labor Organization and to promote binding rules to ensure these children a future. (Inter Press Service)
International Unions Gather in Chicago to Craft Strategy (August 20, 2005)
In the present context of states ceding some of their traditional powers to transnational corporations, workers need to organize their efforts at a global level to maintain their fundamental rights. In response to this challenge, the Union Network International's annual convention convenes in Chicago. Fifteen hundred delegates from 150 countries meet to discuss labor strategies and ways to promote unionization and collaboration over international borders. (Reuters)
Anti-Labour Violence Isn’t Random (August 5, 2005)
The conflict between classes did not vanish with the fall of the Berlin Wall. The neoliberal view of trade unions and labor rights as a barrier to the free market, motivated the violent repression of workers by Indian police at Honda Motorcycle and Scooter Limited in the Haryana region. This article calls for radical changes to upgrade and enforce minimum wages, regulate working conditions and promote workers’ participation in decision-making. (Economic Times)
Informed Consumers Can Improve Sweatshops (July 15, 2005)
The US-based apparel company Gap, long a target for labor rights activists, has begun to publish reports that contain detailed and accurate data on working conditions in its supplier factories. However, most other companies still refuse to release information on how well their suppliers comply with corporate codes of conduct. As long as there is no legislation or UN resolution requiring businesses to disclose such data, consumers play a central role in pressuring corporations to do that, argues this San Francisco Chronicle opinion piece.
ILO Director-General Says Global Jobs Crisis Puts Democracy, Freedom at Risk (June 6, 2005)
Although global trade increased by US$ 4 trillion over 2004, the extra capital has not translated to a reduction in global unemployment. Instead, the global economy is only creating “a trickle” of sustainable jobs, while the “open wound” of forced labor festers in the global economy. If the international community wants to see poverty alleviated, argues the ILO Director-General, "we must move employment and decent work fully into the mainstream of the international development debate." (International Labor Organization News)
Protectionism And Free Trade (May 31, 2005)
This article highlights the hidden effects of the Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA), focusing on how it will affect US and Central American laborers. While the Bush administration insists that increased trade will benefit everyone, the issue remains: what kind of trade is the Bush administration promoting, and for whose benefit? The concern is not free trade versus protectionism, but “smart trade” versus “polarizing trade.” (TomPaine)Forced Labor Said to Bind 12.3 Million People Around the World (May 12, 2005)
The International Labor Organization (ILO) has released its first comprehensive study on forced labor. According to the report, three-quarters of the world’s 12.3 million forced laborers live in Asia, most of them coerced into bonded labor because of debts. While most forced laborers in poor countries are employed in agriculture, domestic work and factories, the majority of the 360,000 forced laborers in industrialized nations work in the sex trade. ILO estimates that human trafficking, which frequently accompanies forced labor, has increased in recent years because of eased travel and border regulations. (New York Times)Shopping with Conscience (May 11, 2005)
A growing number of companies are producing “sweatshop free” goods for consumers who want to shop with a conscience. Most of the customers are young professionals, interested in fashion and willing to spend more if it means an ethical purchase. These companies are essentially interested in a “revenue stream with ethics” hoping to sell some ideas along with their sneakers. While the “heightened awareness” is only among a small percentage of shoppers, companies and customers alike hope to increase the number of people “who care about how and where their clothes are made.” (Christian Science Monitor)
Chiquita's Children (May 10, 2005)
Back in the 1970s and 1980s, thousands of Nicaraguan agricultural workers were exposed to a strong pesticide called Nemagon that fruit companies Dole, Del Monte and Chiquita used to protect their banana crops. The workers, who now suffer from kidney failure, cancer, diminishing eyesight and weakening bones, are waging a long-running legal battle against the transnational giants that refuse to pay for the damage. (In These Times)The Ethical Revolution Sweeping Through the World's Sweatshops (April 16, 2005)
After a decade of adamant attempts to deny any wrongdoing, multinational clothing companies like Nike and Gap are beginning to admit that they have abused and exploited their workers. At the same time, anti-sweatshop activists have moved away from organizing boycotts and demonstrations, and now co-operate more with companies and labor unions to improve the conditions and increase the pay of apparel workers. (Independent)Union Files Wal-Mart Complaint (April 13, 2005)
The United Food and Commercial Workers Union has filed an unfair labor practice complaint against Wal-Mart, accusing the retailer of paying people for monitoring union activity. The action came after an ousted board member of Wal-Mart maintained that the company had spent up to $500,000 on anti-union activities. Wal-Mart, which has successfully torpedoed workers’ attempts to unionize at its 3,000 stores in the US, called the union claims “pure fantasy.” (Washington Post)A Side Order of Human Rights (April 6, 2005)
Consumers and fast food giants that are among the biggest purchasers of fresh produce in the US hold the keys to preventing labor abuses, says this New York Times op-ed piece. After farm workers in Immokalee, Florida, successfully targeted Taco Bell with a boycott, the company agreed to increase the wages of migrant workers and impose a strict code of conduct on its tomato suppliers. Other fast food companies should now follow suit, argues the author.The Real Record on Workers’ Rights in Central America (April 2005)
This American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) report criticizes the proposed Central American Free Trade Agreement for failing to protect workers’ rights. The agreement allows governments to maintain labor laws that are far below the International Labor Organization standards and provides no mechanism to enforce existing legislation. In its current form, the agreement may boost corporate profits, but “leave workers and communities out in the cold,” the report says.ILO to Crack Whip on Junta (March 25, 2005)
Despite the Burmese government’s promises to introduce laws banning forced labor, the violations have continued. The International Labor Organization (ILO) currently estimates that over 800,000 people in Burma are victims of forced labor and threatens to impose sanctions against the country if the government does not clean up its act. (Inter Press Service)Taco Bell, Farm Workers Reach Agreement (March 8, 2005)
The Coalition of Immokalee Workers has called off its three-year-long boycott against Taco Bell. The decision comes after the company finally agreed to pay Floridian farm workers one cent more per pound for tomatoes. The increase that bears little financial significance for the company will almost double the yearly salaries of the roughly 1,000 workers employed by Taco Bell suppliers. “It would mean almost reaching the poverty level,” a representative of the Immokalee workers commented. (Associated Press)One in Twelve of the World’s Children Are Forced into Child Labor (February 18, 2005)
According to a report on child labor, an estimated 180 million children work in the worst forms of child labor, including hazardous work, slavery, forced labor, armed forces, commercial sexual exploitation and illicit activities. UNICEF UK appeals to governments to take immediate action to end poverty, which it identifies as the root cause for child exploitation.
Archived Articles
