Globalisation and Core Labour Standards: Compliance Problems with ILO Conventions 87 and 98. Comparing Australia and other English-Speaking Countries with EU Member States

Abstract

Abstract: In the wake of globalisation, certain ILO Conventions have assumed greater prominence in recent years. This paper focuses on ILO principles related to trade union rights and collective bargaining embodied in ILO Conventions No. 87 and No. 98. It is argued that some countries have enacted legislation and tolerated industrial behaviour incompatible with these standards. In the absence of effective international enforcement powers, governments in some countries have ignored the requests of the ILO for adherence to its principles with impunity. This issue is discussed in connection primarily with recent Australian experience and with brief observations on that of a number of English-speaking countries. The policy and practices of these countries on Conventions 87 and 98 are contrasted with those of the continental EU countries. Finally, the question is raised as to whether some of the ILO?s principles underlying these Con­ventions need to be re-examined.