Labour & Decent Work

The nature of labour and work in the global economy is changing fast. Rapid reconfiguration of business models, new technologies, and shifting patterns of production are changing power dynamics between workers and employers.

Labour exploitation and forced labour are rife across many countries and sectors. Workers and unions face serious obstacles in exerting rights, and achieving living wages, job security, and safe workplaces.

This research theme investigates how barriers to decent work can be overcome, both through public governance initiatives like labour and migration law and its enforcement, state regulation of business and supply chains, and social protection, as well as private systems like corporate and worker-driven social responsibility.

Read about our research agenda on Labour & Decent Work.