Implementation of International Labor Standards and Fair Globalization

The international labor standards imply a set of norms and minimum standards developed by the ILO to establish a just labor order, social justice, rights of workers and decent work conditions. After reviewing the various aspects of the ILS, this chapter stresses the implementation of labor standards for achieving fair globalization and improving the working conditions and living standards of workers. It observes that the application of the ILS ensures a level playing field in the protection of labor rights by preventing ‘race to the bottom’ conditions in developing countries. International labor standards shape the design of laws, regulations and policies on labor issues at the national level. While Bangladesh has adopted most of the ILS by ratifying the main ILO Conventions, their implementation hinges on incorporation in domestic laws, institutional capacity, allocation of adequate resources and political willingness as the ILO has limited power to enforce its conventions and recommendations. Furthermore, workers in the informal sector are deprived of the benefits and protection offered by the international labor standards. The existing labor laws of Bangladesh need to be amended to make them fully consistent with international standards.