By Keith Ewing and commissioned by SEIU

Published in May 2006

In the globalised market of the 21st century, the issue of global rights is increasingly important. Over the past 50 years, most countries have voluntarily signed up to core international labour standards, which guarantee fundamental rights at work. But as transnational companies become ever more powerful and national borders become increasingly meangingless, are those rights being compromised?

By Harry Glasbeek

Published in August 2005

As UK trade unionists eagerly await the introduction of the long promised Corporate Manslaughter Bill, this Comparative Note looks at what we can learn from similar legislation introduced in Canada in 2004.

The Canadian legislation came about following a major industrial accident and the inability of the existing criminal legislation to hold anyone to account. The Bill however, rather than deal with the inherent conflict in capitalist corporations (the push for profit versus the promotion of safety), attempts to redress “narrow technical difficulties created by law and the judiciary”.

by Steve Gibbons

Published in November 2004

This publication looks at the range of initiatives aimed at promoting global labour standards in the global marketplace. The author first outlines the regulatory controls developed by international organisations such as the OECD, the ILO and the United Nations. He goes on to examine the growth in “voluntary” initiatives such as company codes of conduct and a new concept known as “ratcheting labour standards”.

By Debra Evenson

Published in November 2003

Foreword by Eddie McDermott, Regional Secretary, T&G (South East & East Anglia) The publication of this booklet in England has arisen from a chance meeting in the Cuban equivalent of Congress House between members of a visiting T&G aviation workers’ delegation and Debra Evenson, the author, in February 2002.

By Glynis M Truter

Published in May 2003

In 1997 British workers were promised fairness at work and a new approach to labour relations based on social partnership – a vision welcomed by the TUC. The most commonly discussed model of social partnership was that operating in Germany, with particular reference to German-style ‘consultation’ rights. Also welcomed was the EC Information and Consultation Directive – due to be implemented by March 2005.

Edited by John Hendy and Carolyn Jones

Published in May 2003

There could surely not be a more appropriate time to consider how best to promote, protect and extend international law than now amidst the anguish of war. This edition of Federation News focuses specifically on standards relating to the rights of trade unions and their members.

John Hendy, QC begins by highlighting the UK’s shameful defiance of international standards. He argues that such behaviour should not simply be seen as an item for discussion at trade union education courses. Rather recognising and upholding international standards should form the central argument for repealing and replacing the worst aspects of UK laws. He puts forward a number of strategies for improving the situation, both at national and international level and urges trade unions to pursue them all.