ABSTRACT

Few trade issues are as controversial as those linked to workers’ rights. Proponents of such a linkage (workers’ rights advocates, many trade unionists, among others) argue that the international exchange of goods cannot and should not disregard the conditions under which these goods are being produced, and that the international community has a legitimate role in the promotion of basic workers’ rights such as the freedom of workers to bargain collectively and the freedom of children not to be exploited. They are not suggesting a global minimum wage (as many critics claim they do), but argue that when workers are unable to bargain for the best wages and working conditions possible, this could be interpreted as ‘social dumping’. Finally, they point out that when workers in exporting countries are seen to be enjoying certain basic rights, it is easier to convince workers in import-competing industries of the benefits of lower trade barriers.