How can trade unions affect international labour standards?

Trade unions can influence international labour standards by advocating for better working conditions, fair wages, and workers' rights.

Trade unions, as representative bodies of workers, play a crucial role in shaping international labour standards. They do this through various means, including collective bargaining, lobbying, and participating in international forums. Collective bargaining is a process where unions negotiate with employers on behalf of workers to secure better pay, safer working conditions, and other benefits. This can lead to the establishment of higher labour standards that can influence international norms.

Unions also lobby governments and international organisations to adopt and enforce better labour standards. They can push for legislation that protects workers' rights, such as the right to organise and the prohibition of child labour. For example, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) regularly lobbies the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to adopt conventions that improve workers' rights globally.

Participation in international forums is another way unions can affect labour standards. Unions often have a seat at the table in discussions about labour standards at the ILO and other international bodies. They can use this platform to voice the concerns of workers and push for the adoption of higher standards. For instance, the ITUC played a significant role in the adoption of the ILO's Convention on Decent Work for Domestic Workers, which sets out minimum standards for domestic workers worldwide.

Moreover, unions can influence labour standards through campaigns and public awareness initiatives. They can highlight issues such as poor working conditions, low wages, and exploitation of workers in certain industries or countries. These campaigns can put pressure on companies, governments, and international organisations to improve labour standards.

In addition, unions can form international alliances to strengthen their influence. By collaborating with unions in other countries, they can create a united front to push for better labour standards globally. This can be particularly effective in industries that operate across borders, such as the garment and electronics industries.

In conclusion, trade unions have a significant role in shaping international labour standards. Through collective bargaining, lobbying, participation in international forums, public campaigns, and international alliances, they can advocate for better working conditions, fair wages, and workers' rights on a global scale.