A global regulatory new deal for precarious and informal workers

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2015

Authors

Marshall, Shelley

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This dissertation is concerned with what regulatory strategies can best improve the conditions of the growing "precariat" or informal workforce. The growing incidence of precarious work is linked with increased inequality and heightened vulnerability. The thesis is concerned with the realm of regulation - hard laws, soft initiatives and other institutions that shape behaviour. Four case studies of informal work are conducted spanning poor, middle income and developed countries. Head load (Mathadi) workers in India, immigrant industrial clothing outworkers in Australia, garment workers in Cambodia and workers in Bulgaria who rely on a range of home-based work to survive are studied. The cases were selected because innovative regulatory schemes have been developed to improve the conditions of workers in each country. The schemes have enjoyed varying success, providing insights into what works and what doesn't in differing contexts. Based on evaluations of these existing innovations an ambitious transnational, networked initiative that aims to promote a global living wage and regulate supply chains is canvassed. The proposal includes the establishment of an international disputes mechanism for enforcement of global remuneration minima, combined with tribunals that operate at national levels empowered to hold parties in the supply chain accountable. The approach suggests novel tools and incentives for unions and state labour departments to become more active in mobilising and regulating this precarious workforce, and for businesses to change their behaviour.

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Thesis (PhD)

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