How to strengthen the institutions of work

Abstract

While decent work is a universal objective, it is particularly critical for key workers, given the importance of their work for the basic functioning of economies and societies. Regulation, either through laws or collective bargaining agreements, in concert with other institutions of work – workers’ and employers’ organizations, labour administration and inspection systems, and courts and tribunals – is needed to achieve the following objectives: (1) Safety and health protections that apply to all branches of economic activity and all workers, regardless of their employment status; (2) Equality of treatment for all contractual arrangements and other safeguards; (3) Safe and predictable working hours; (4) Wages that reflect key workers’ social contribution; (5) Universal social protection, including coverage of paid sick leave; (6) Training for an adaptive and responsive key workforce.