Introduction to Handbook on Globalisation and Labour Standards

The debate over globalisation and labour standards is complex. Are the forces of globalisation good or bad for workers, and for which workers? Do low labour standards in some countries spillover and negatively affect workers elsewhere because of globalisation? How can international law best contribute to workers' rights and what tools of enforcement or persuasion are most effective? What role do multinational corporations that direct flows of trade and investment play? Overall, the research reviewed here finds that globalization's opportunities are real but less positive than they might be because of failures in protecting workers. Initiatives to improve working conditions have had positive but generally quite modest effects. The buying practices of lead corporations at the top of global supply chains too often diverge from the social responsibility codes they ask their suppliers to follow. Governments also support stronger labour standards more with rhetoric than action and the threat of trade sanctions to enforce them remains a paper tiger.