This book provides a critical examination of the deficiencies in decent work within global supply chains. It explicitly identifies and discusses the core elements of decent work as defined by the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) decent work agenda, while underscoring the essential international human and labour rights principles that are integral to achieving these standards. The study firmly asserts that multinational enterprises (MNEs) have a pivotal role in advancing decent work initiatives. However, it is undeniable that many of these enterprises frequently fail to comply with established decent work standards. MNEs have gained stronger international influence, and they are able to move their businesses to countries with low cost of labour and less regulations. This phenomenon weakens the governments of host nations as they are keen to promote foreign direct investment in order to reduce unemployment and to ensure economic growth. As a result, the host nations are encouraged to set laws that will attract MNEs at the expense of human and core labour rights. As a result, MNEs are not held accountable in respect of alleged abuses of human and labour rights.
This book recommends regulatory reforms, which will empower the ILO to intervene to prevent human and labour rights violations by MNEs and where such violations occur, to at least provide effective remedies to vulnerable employees.
Introduction and Background.- Decent Work, Labour Rights and Human
Rights in the Context of MNEs.- The Monitoring of MNEs by the ILO.- The
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.- The Role of
Non-Governmental Organisations in the Regulation of MNEs.- The International
Framework Agreements.- Directive of the European Parliament and the Council
on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence.- Conclusion.
Dr. Foster Maluleke is a legal professional with a Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Pretoria in South Africa. He serves as a Regional Senior Commissioner at the Commission for Conciliation for Mediation and Arbitration where he plays a pivotal role in labour dispute resolution. He earned an LLM,LLB and Bachelor's degree in labour relations, all from University of South Africa, complemented by a diploma from Tshwane University of Technology. He was awarded a research scholarship by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange where he served a visiting scholar at University of Wasaw.
