What are the modern challenges in protecting workers’ rights in the era of globalization?
In today’s fast-paced world of work, globalisation presents us with new challenges in terms of protecting workers’ rights. The influence of multinational corporations, the increasing mobility of the workforce and the increasing digitalisation require new strategies and solutions from policymakers, employers’ organisations and trade unions.
Globalisation has opened up borders for goods, services and workers, but at the same time it has revealed gaps in the legal protection of workers. Workers often move to other countries for work, where they may encounter completely different working conditions and less legal protection. In such an environment, it becomes crucial to ensure that international labor standards are in place to protect employees no matter where they work.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) plays a key role in promoting fair working conditions around the world. ILO standards, such as conventions on working hours, health and safety at work, and the prohibition of child labour, are the cornerstones for the protection of workers’ rights. However, their implementation in different countries remains uneven, which is one of the main challenges in the global context.
Discrimination in the workplace is another challenge that needs attention. In the age of globalization, employees from different cultures, religions, and backgrounds may experience unequal treatment. Companies must implement anti-discrimination policies and promote diversity and inclusion to ensure equal access to professional opportunities and career development for all.
Social dialogue, i.e. conversations between representatives of employers, workers and governments, is essential in shaping effective labour policies. This cooperation can lead to better labour regulations that take into account both business needs and worker protections.
The digitalisation of the labour market is another aspect that affects workers’ rights. Remote working, flexible working and automation can lead to job insecurity and challenges in protecting employees’ personal data. It is necessary to adapt labour regulations to the new realities in order to protect workers in the digital world.
The protection of workers’ rights in the era of globalisation requires constant monitoring and adaptation to changing conditions. Cooperation at international level, strengthening labour standards, combating discrimination, social dialogue and adapting to digitalisation are key elements that must be addressed to ensure fair treatment of workers worldwide.
Supported by Norway through Norway Grants 2014-2021, in the frame of the Programme “Social Dialogue – Decent Work”.
