Labor Law and Human Rights: Understanding the Interconnections Between Labor Rights and Human Rights

The ILO's mission is to promote social justice and decent work for all, by setting international labor standards, promoting rights at work, and providing technical assistance to governments and employers' and workers' organizations.

The four core labor standards identified by the ILO are: freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, the elimination of forced labor, the abolition of child labor, and the elimination of discrimination in employment and occupation.

Forced labor is a situation where workers are forced to work against their will under the threat of punishment. It includes indentured servitude, debt bondage, and trafficking in persons.

The ILO's Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labor sets the minimum age for work at 18 years for hazardous work and 16 years for other types of work.

Discrimination in employment occurs when workers are denied equal opportunities and treatment in employment and occupation based on their race, gender, religion, or other characteristics.

Poverty wages are wages that are below the level necessary to meet basic needs and provide a decent standard of living.

Informal employment is the situation where workers are employed without a written contract or other formal agreement.

Hazardous work is work that involves exposure to dangerous or unhealthy conditions, such as chemicals, radiation, or excessive noise.

Freedom of association is the right of workers to form or join trade unions without fear of reprisal.

The right to collective bargaining is the right of workers to negotiate with their employers over wages, benefits, and working conditions.

The right to strike is the right of workers to withdraw their labor in order to pressure their employers to meet their demands.

The right to a safe and healthy workplace is the right of workers to work in an environment that is free from hazards and that protects their health and safety.

Equal pay for equal work is the right of workers to receive the same pay as other workers who are doing the same job, regardless of their gender, race, religion, or other characteristics.

A living wage is a wage that is sufficient to meet basic needs and provide a decent standard of living.

Decent work is work that is productive, fairly remunerated, safe, and respectful of workers' rights.