AN ASSESSMENT OF LEGAL MECHANISMS TO PROMOTE LABOUR STANDARDS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ILO

Abstract

International labour standards (ILS) are crucial for promoting social fairness and peace influencing human rights both at international and domestic level.  International competition regulation are linked to fundamental human rights. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) whose primary motto is protection and promotion of labour rights has been addressing the potential negative effects of unrestrained international commerce and investment on labour conditions, following the first wave of global economic integration. This issue gave rise to the notion of "social dumping" and the ensuing "race to the bottom" in labour unions. The ILO emphasizes the importance of adopting humane labour standards by governments for the benefit of its citizens and the development of other nations striving to improve their labour conditions, since “Poverty is danger to prosperity everywhere”. With a strong track record in constructing and overseeing international labour standards, the ILO has endorsed 191 Conventions and 208 Recommendations.

[1] Werner Sengenberger, “International Labour Standards in the Globalised Economy: obstacles and opportunities for achieving Progress”, In John D.R. Craig and S. Michael Lynk, (ed.), Globalisation and Future of Labour Law 331(2006).

[2] In a race to financing and investment basic human rights are undermined is the allegation.

[3] https://www.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=1000:12020::::::, last accessed on 22^nd January 2022.