International Labour Law

Introduction

Please note that this is a preliminary course description. The final version will be published in June 2027.

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to international labour law, exploring the legal frameworks that govern labour standards and rights beyond the national context. It examines how international institutions such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations (UN), and the European Union (EU) shape the development and enforcement of workers’ rights worldwide.

Key topics include international labour standards, freedom of association, the right to collective bargaining and the right to strike, non-discrimination, forced and child labour, and the impact of globalization on labour markets. The course also addresses the role of multinational corporations, international trade agreements, and corporate social responsibility in the regulation of labour conditions across borders. Contemporary debates on labour rights in supply chains, the gig economy, and the future of work will also be discussed. The course will also examine the distinctive features of the Nordic labour market model in this context.

Students will critically engage with legal texts, conventions, and case law, and explore the interaction between international, regional, and national legal systems.

By the end of the course, students will have gained a solid understanding of the normative and institutional structures of international labour law and will be equipped to analyze complex labour issues in a globalized world.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have:

Course content

• Introduction to international labour law: scope, sources, methodology and key concepts.
• Theoretical perspectives on the foundations and functions of labour law.
• The role and functioning of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
• International conventions, such as the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the EU Charter of fundamental rights and the European Social Charter, and their relevance for labour rights.
• Fundamental labour rights, such as the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
• Labour law in global supply chains and multinational enterprises.
• International trade, corporate social responsibility, and labour regulation.
• Enforcement challenges and access to justice in international labour law.
• The Nordic model of labour market regulation in an international context.