labour_standards_provisions_in_eu_free_trade_agreements_reflections_on_the_european_commissions_reform_agenda.pdf (255.58 kB)
Labour standards provisions in EU free trade agreements: reflections on the European Commission's reform agenda
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 16:38 authored by James Harrison, Mirela BarbuMirela Barbu, Liam Campling, Franz Christian Ebert, Deborah Martens, Axel Marx, Jan Orbie, Ben Richardson, Adrian SmithAbstract Labour standards provisions within the Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) chapters of EU Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are presented as a key element of the EU's commitment to a ‘value-based trade agenda’. But criticism of TSD chapters has led the European Commission to commit to improving their implementation and enforcement, creating a critical juncture in the evolution of the EU's trade–labour linkage. This contribution synthesizes findings from academic studies that have examined the effectiveness of labour standards provisions in EU FTAs. It then considers the reform agenda as presented by the European Commission, and explains how some of the proposals could tackle failures identified. However, it also argues that there are various limitations with the Commission's current proposals, and outlines how legal obligations and institutional mechanisms created by trade agreements could better be harnessed to improve working conditions and rights at work around the world.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
World Trade ReviewISSN
1474-7456Publisher
Cambridge University PressExternal DOI
Issue
4Volume
18Page range
635-657Department affiliated with
- Management Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2019-02-18First Open Access (FOA) Date
2019-02-18First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2019-02-15Usage metrics
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