Making labour provisions in free trade agreements work
European Trade Union Institute, Brussels
ETUI - Brussels
2022
7 p.
trade agreement ; workers rights ; international labour standard ; labour movement
ETUI Policy Brief. European Economic, Employment and Social Policy
2022.04
Human rights
English
Bibliogr.
2031-8782
"Policy recommendations
• With sustained and vigorous efforts from trade unions, labour provisions
in trade agreements have been of some help to labour movements in
some partner countries, but they could do much more if the lessons
from recent examples are truly learned.
• Labour provisions should relate to the immediate needs of workers in
a partner country and go beyond the fundamental conventions of the
International Labour Organisation (ILO).
• There should be provision for rapid sanctions, as these do work. While
moral condemnation can strengthen trade unions in a partner country,
provision for commercial sanctions is proving much more effective. "
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