Worker rights are among the least protected human rights in the world, according to new research from faculty at Binghamton University, State University of New York.
The findings, unveiled as part of the CIRIGHTS Data Project, shed light on the disparities and challenges faced by workers in accessing fundamental labour protections.
KEY FINDINGS AND RANKINGS
Published in Human Rights Quarterly, the latest report reveals stark variations in countries’ treatment of worker rights. Among the top performers were Canada, Sweden, New Zealand, Norway, and Portugal, while Iran, Syria, North Korea, China, and Iraq ranked lowest in overall scores. Despite progress in certain regions, worker rights remain alarmingly under protected on a global scale.
Spearheaded by Binghamton University’s Professor of Political Science, David Cingranelli, the project provides an annual evaluation of 25 human rights categories, offering invaluable insights into global human rights trends.
GATEWAY RIGHTS AND LABOR PROTECTIONS
Worker rights, encompassing the right to unionize and engage in collective bargaining, emerge as consistently neglected human rights. The researchers emphasize that these foundational rights serve as gateways to safeguarding other labour protections. Without adequate provisions for unionization and collective bargaining, governments often fail to uphold minimum wage standards, ensure occupational health and safety, or regulate work hours effectively.
IMPACT OF ECONOMIC GLOBALIZATION
Economic globalization has exacerbated challenges in protecting worker rights, fostering a climate of heightened competition among nations. Professor Cingranelli highlights the detrimental effects of economic inequality, which have disproportionately favoured corporations over workers. In economically disadvantaged countries, industries such as agriculture, mining, and oil extraction wield significant influence, often at the expense of workers’ rights.
ROLE OF GOVERNMENT AND CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY
Government intervention plays a crucial role in safeguarding worker rights and addressing corporate exploitation. Stricter labour regulations and enforcement mechanisms are essential to counterbalance corporate interests and protect workers’ interests. Professor Cingranelli emphasizes the need for proactive government policies to ensure fair treatment and representation for workers, preventing companies from circumventing labour protections for their own gain.
CALL FOR ACTION
As the study underscores the urgent need for enhanced labour protections globally, it serves as a clarion call for policymakers, advocacy groups, and civil society to prioritize worker rights on the international agenda. By fostering collaboration and advocacy efforts, stakeholders can work towards creating a more equitable and just labour landscape, where workers’ rights are upheld and respected as fundamental human rights.
