Droit social international

In this course we will discuss the relevance of international labour standards in promoting fairer working conditions in a world of work where business actors, labour markets and workforce are acquiring a more and more global dimension.  

The course will first provide an overview of the main institutional bodies responsible for labour standards setting at the international level. In addition to international organisations such as the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the United Nations (UN) and the Council of Europe (CoE), we will also look at international framework agreements concluded by trade unions and multinational enterprises.

The course will then move on to different thematic areas, covering both the coverage and impact of the existing international labour standards. We will explore forced and child labour, informal and non-standard work, freedom of association and the right to strike, non-discrimination, vulnerable groups, and digital platform-based work. Finally, the course concludes with an overarching reflection on the relationship between economic rights and labour/social rights.

The course is structured in 12 on-campus lectures:

1. Introduction to International Social Law
2. The ILO
3. The UN and European systems
4. International social dialogue and transnational company agreements
5. Child and forced labour
6. Informal and non-standard work
7. Freedom of association and right to strike
8. Non-discrimination
9. Minorities and vulnerable groups
10. Digital platform-based work
11. Economic rights vs social and labour rights: coexistence or domination?
12. Wrap-up

By the end of the course the students will:

• Deepen their understanding of the implications of global dynamics (free movement, supply chains, global competitiveness, technological dominance) on the quality of working conditions
• Familiarise themselves with the role, functions and limitations of the main international organisation responsible for labour standard settings.
• Be able to apply the different sources of international labour law in a practical context.
• Develop or strengthen critical thinking on the relationship between economic and social rights and be able to evaluate the adequacy of the existing instruments.

Connaissances et compétences pré-requises ou co-requises

The course on labor law and the course on public international law are prerequisites.

While the teaching method will rely on readings, active engagement and discussion during class are encouraged. Students are recommended to prepare available reading materials before each lecture.

Contacts

Students are encouraged to raise questions during class. Any pending question can be sent to silvia.rainone@ulb.be. 

Campus

Solbosch

Méthode(s) d'évaluation

• Examen écrit

Examen écrit

Students will be evaluated on the basis of a written exam at the end of the course. Preparation of the assignments before each class will be rewarded and can have an influence on the final grade.

The written exam consists of an open questions-based exam at the end of the course.

Langue(s) d'évaluation

• anglais