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Introduction: Fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries are one of the most important public health problems all over the world. Its number greatly varies from country to country over the years. Worldwide approximately 4% of global gross domestic product (GDP) is lost due to occupational injuries. It has also been estimated that daily, approximately 1 million workers get injured, and more than 5000 workers die due to their occupation. In this research work, using modern data analytics techniques, we have tried to explore the current situation and time trend of fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries globally and in India. Materials and Methods: Using the open-source data available at the International Labour Organization (ILO) database and the Government of India open database, analysis was performed systematically using R and Python programming languages. Data have been accessed by December 31, 2022. To make a representative sample population for this article, four countries from Europe and Central Asia region (Russia, France, Germany, and United Kingdom), four countries from the Asia-Pacific region (India, Australia, Japan, and Republic of Korea), and two countries from Americas (United States and Argentina) are selected for a meaningful comparison purpose. Results: Since 2000, the time trend of fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries has been increasing trend globally. The yearly average (± standard deviation) of fatal and non-fatal injuries per country per million population was 256 (±68) and 83380 (±41280). The number of fatal injuries in India has increased over the years, but the number of non-fatal injuries in India is decreasing trend. Discussion: According to the ILO database, it has been revealed in this article that, on average yearly, 83380 per million population total occupational injuries are reported worldwide. Among them, yearly, 256 per million population (0.3%) workers per country succumbed to injuries. According to Government of India database, there was an average of 271 deaths per year between 2000 and 2021. For evidence-based decision and policy making and subsequent program implementation, the availability of timely, good-quality data from every industrial sector of society is most important. It can only be achieved by implementing integrated occupational injury surveillance programs at national and global levels. Keywords: Asia, Europe, gross domestic product, ILO, India, occupational injuries, United States, Author(s): Arkaprabha Sau (corresponding author) [1,2]; Santanu Phadikar [2]; Ishita Bhakta [3]; Arindam Chatterjee [4] INTRODUCTION An occupational injury is defined by the International Labour Organization (ILO) as 'any personal [...]

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a new 10-year cardiovascular risk prediction recommendation known as the WHO Cardiovascular Risk Chart 2019 (WHO CRC). However, there is currently no assessment available regarding the relationship between ASCVD classic and occupational profiles to WHO CRC, specifically in occupational settings and in the context of the Indonesian Heart Association's (IHA) adjusted version of the WHO CRC for South-East Asia (WHO CRC-INA). This study aims to fill this gap by examining the relationship between classic (Atherosclerosis Cardiovascular Disease) ASCVD and occupational profiles within the oil and gas industry, specifically the WHO CRC-INA. This study is analytical cross-sectional research data were analyzed using the Chi-square test and logistic regression, with a significance level of P < 0.05. The research using total sampling method amounted to 240 workers from January to May 2022 of Medical Check Up (MCU) in a major oil and gas company. The ASCVD risk measurement instrument uses the final score of the WHO CRC-INA, grouped into low- and medium-high risk. Analysis showed that occupational profiles had a relationship with WHO CRC-INA medium-high risk, as seen in the bivariate analysis for shift work and work type (P = 0.018; OR = 2,045) had a relationship with WHO CRC-INA medium-high risk. Keywords: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular risk, occupational risk, oil and gas, WHO CRC South-East, Author(s): Freade Akbar (corresponding author) [1]; Agus Sugiharto [1]; Marsen Isbayu Putra [1]; Aria Kekalih [1]; Dewi S. Soemarko [1]; Isman Firdaus [2] INTRODUCTION Oil and gas companies are multinational [...]

Since early years, humans are migrating to ensure their survival or to improve their socio-economic position in society. In Pakistan, internal migration has not been given proper attention in policy making. Consequently, government is facing problems in managing the challenges and opportunities posed by internal migration. The present study attempted to analyse socio-economic factors that play crucial role in a household's decision to migrate internally by using data of Labour Force Survey 2020-21. In the questionnaire of labour force survey, there is a specific section related to migration. The migration is defined as 'households that has moved from one district to another district or to different country', it excludes the migration within district. The logit regression has been used to estimate the model. It has been found that more educated people particularly having professional and technical education tends to migrate. The internal migration increases with age, but after certain level it tends to start declining. It has also concluded that employment in public sector (due to job security or provision of housing facilities) motivate people to internally migrate. People belonging to middle income families are more likely to migrate in comparison to rich or very poor. Study confirms that search of better job opportunities and family compulsions are major factors in internal voluntary migration. However, law and order situations emerge as a significant factor in forced migration. As the internal migration are much higher than international migration so there is need that role of internal migration may be recognised in reducing poverty, employment and socio-economic development. Unfortunately, there exists lack of policy on internal labour flows. Most the labour force is not even registered at migration destinations. It is very crucial to calculate value of domestic remittances. It will be helpful in devising the policy to improve the status of internal migrants by providing them targeted technical and vocational education training so that they can get better job opportunities in destination places. JEL Classifications: R23, I23, E24 Keywords: Internal Migration, Education, Employment, INTRODUCTION Since early years of human settlement, they have been migrating in search of food, shelter, to escape impacts of changing climate and due to overpopulation in a particular area. [...]

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront complex inter-relations between human mobility and worldwide public health concerns. Throughout history, migrant communities have been identified as the scapegoats for the cross-border transmission and spreading of infectious diseases. A different rhetoric emerged during the recent Covid-19 crisis in Quebec and Canada: that of the migrant worker as 'guardian angel.' Expressed through this rhetoric was public acknowledgement of the crucial role that migrants played as essential workers during the pandemic, particularly in the health care system. The guardian angels also became the object of significant media attention during the pandemic period, particularly in relation to a special governmental program--known informally as the Guardian Angel program--put into place to regularize the migration statuses of asylum seekers and other precarious status migrants who had contributed to the pandemic effort. Although a seemingly positive expression of recognition and sympathy for their contributions during the crisis, the rhetoric of the guardian angel is not, however, without its tensions and contradictions. Drawing on the concepts of recognition and essential work, this rhetoric is examined in a study of the experiences of migrant Health Care Attendants (HCA) in Quebec health care institutions and public debate surrounding the Guardian Angel program. The results reveal the politics behind the recognition of migrant HCAs as essential workers in the health care system and, more generally still, of all precarious status migrant workers. While the circumstances surrounding Covid-19 produced unequalled and unimaginable working conditions, it also brought to the forefront structural problems already firmly entrenched in the health care system long before the pandemic. More than a pandemic crisis, the situation of migrant HCAs especially reveals a crisis of recognition and an ongoing site of struggle. Keywords: Health Care Attendants (HCAs), migration, pandemic, guardian angels. La pandemie de Covid-19 a mis au premier plan les interrelations complexes entre la mobilite humaine et les preoccupations de sante publique a l'echelle mondiale. Tout au long de l'histoire, les migrants ont ete designes comme les boucs emissaires responsables de la transmission transfrontaliere des maladies infectieuses. Cependant, une autre rhetorique a emerge lors de la recente crise du Covid-19 au Quebec et au Canada : celle des travailleurs et travailleuses migrants.es comme 'anges gardiens.' Cette rhetorique s'est traduite par la reconnaissance publique du role crucial joue par les migrants pendant la pandemie en tant que travailleurs essentiels, surtout dans le systeme de sante. Les anges gardiens ont egalement fait l'objet d'une attention mediatique importante pendant la periode pandemique, notamment en ce qui concerne la mise en place d'un programme gouvernemental special--connu informellement comme le programme des anges gardiens--visant a regulariser le statut des demandeurs d'asile et d'autres migrants a statut precaire qui avaient contribue a l'effort de lutte contre la pandemie. Bien que ce programme devait surtout reconnaitre la contribution des travailleurs et travailleuses migrants.es a l'effort pandemique, la rhetorique de l'ange gardien n'est cependant pas exempte de tensions et de contradictions. S'appuyant sur les concepts de reconnaissance et de travail essentiel, cette rhetorique est examinee dans le cadre d'une etude portant sur les experiences des preposes aux beneficiaires migrants dans les etablissements de soins de sante du Quebec et sur le debat public entourant le programme des anges gardiens. Les resultats revelent les dimensions politiques qui se cachent derriere la reconnaissance des preposes aux beneficiaires migrants en tant que travailleurs essentiels dans le systeme de sante et, plus generalement encore, de l'ensemble des travailleurs et travailleuses migrants.es a statut precaire. Si les circonstances entourant la Covid-19 ont produit des conditions de travail inegalees et inimaginables, elles ont egalement mis en lumiere des problemes structurels ancres dans le systeme de sante bien avant la pandemie. Plus qu'une crise pandemique, la situation des preposes aux beneficiaires migrants revele surtout une crise de reconnaissance et un lieu de lutte permanent. Mots-cles: Preposes aux beneficiaires (PAB), migration, pandemie, anges gardiens., INTRODUCTION The virus did not choose a minority, it affected all categories of people, without exception: rich or poor, doctors or nurses, unemployed or active, presidents or ministers, and it [...]

Along with territorial issues and cultural issues, the principle of self-determination is profoundly influential in the relations between states and between states and Fourth World ('indigenous') peoples. Stated simply, the [...]

Since early years, humans are migrating to ensure their survival or to improve their socio-economic position in society. In Pakistan, internal migration has not been given proper attention in policy making. Consequently, government is facing problems in managing the challenges and opportunities posed by internal migration. The present study attempted to analyse socio-economic factors that play crucial role in a household's decision to migrate internally by using data of Labour Force Survey 2020-21. In the questionnaire of labour force survey, there is a specific section related to migration. The migration is defined as 'households that has moved from one district to another district or to different country', it excludes the migration within district. The logit regression has been used to estimate the model. It has been found that more educated people particularly having professional and technical education tends to migrate. The internal migration increases with age, but after certain level it tends to start declining. It has also concluded that employment in public sector (due to job security or provision of housing facilities) motivate people to internally migrate. People belonging to middle income families are more likely to migrate in comparison to rich or very poor. Study confirms that search of better job opportunities and family compulsions are major factors in internal voluntary migration. However, law and order situations emerge as a significant factor in forced migration. As the internal migration are much higher than international migration so there is need that role of internal migration may be recognised in reducing poverty, employment and socio-economic development. Unfortunately, there exists lack of policy on internal labour flows. Most the labour force is not even registered at migration destinations. It is very crucial to calculate value of domestic remittances. It will be helpful in devising the policy to improve the status of internal migrants by providing them targeted technical and vocational education training so that they can get better job opportunities in destination places. JEL Classifications: R23, I23, E24 Keywords: Internal Migration, Education, Employment, INTRODUCTION Since early years of human settlement, they have been migrating in search of food, shelter, to escape impacts of changing climate and due to overpopulation in a particular area. [...]

The study examines the existential challenges of the University of Nigeria Nsukka academic staff (university faculty members of various ranks [1]) during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic-induced lockdown. The objective of the study is to examine these professors' adaptive ingenuity for survival in the face of lockdown, withheld salaries, and other consequences of legalistic pursuit of collective bargaining between the government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities. A mixed-methods approach, combining interviews, focus group discussions, field observations, and documentary evidence, was adopted for data gathering. The collective bargaining theory was helpful in highlighting where both parties erred in the course of interpreting their bargaining rights. Our findings show that, left with no alternative of navigating between the twin challenges of lockdown and withheld salaries, the academic staff resorted to self-help financial collectivization. Again, we found that the Nigerian government's style of legalistic pursuit of collective bargaining is not just power-centric, but a demonstration of power asymmetry. This does not offer a sustainable resolution to the labour conflict, as it poses a serious threat to the universal right-of-workers-to-strike and to manpower development. The study recommends that the principles of horizontal bargaining, cooperation, and complementarity should form the rallying point of government-labour relations at all times., Author(s): Celestine Uchechukwu Udeogu [sup.1], Emmanuel Johnson Ibuot [sup.2], Michael Nwokedi [sup.1], Chigozie Ifekwe Okonkwo [sup.3] Author Affiliations: (1) https://ror.org/01sn1yx84, grid.10757.34, 0000 0001 2108 8257, Department of Political Science, University [...]

Repon Chowdhury has a particular perspective on occupational exposure to the sun. Chairperson of Labour at Informal Economy--a Bangladeshi, membership-based nongovernmental organization that represents street vendors, waste pickers, agricultural workers [...]

This study examines the effect of regulatory outreach actions on modern slavery statements by the United Kingdom. More than 30,000 policy entries in the United Kingdom Modern Slavery Compliance Registry from 2020 to 2022 were reviewed using analysis of variance and multiple regression to determine predictors of policy statement robustness. The results reveal that policies have become more robust following regulatory efforts. Private conglomerate groups, which can include multinational corporations, are the largest publishers to the registry. However, the role of the chief executive officer as the authority approving the statements has diminished in impact, while company turnover has emerged as a more reliable predictor of impact. Furthermore, the presence of International Labour Organization indicators in the policy statement shows that concern for child-related issues can vary depending on the geographical focus of risk, but that it does not predict a focus on women. The steady improvement in the robustness of modern slavery policies signals some progress following regulator outreach. Keywords: forced labour, modern slavery, regulation, sustainable development goals, UK, JEL classification codes: F2, F23, J8, K2 1. Introduction The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimated that 27.6 million people were living in modern slavery in 2021, despite criminalization of the [...]

This paper studies the impact of COVID-19 on different demographic groups in the Thai labour market using the Labour Force Surveys conducted in 2018 and 2019. We construct a new set of COVID-19 impact indicators capturing both the degree of risk in industries and the degree of occupational flexibility in the Thai context. The results show that the effect of COVID-19 is highly divergent across demographic groups, which may further worsen the pre-existing inequality in the Thai labour market, given the composition of industrial sectors and occupations. The results also indicate that education attainments and income levels play a significant role in protecting individuals, suggesting the key contribution of human capital. In addition, marriage affects men and women workers differently during the crisis, with married women appearing to suffer more. Finally, this study highlights the need for targeted government support to vulnerable groups, including workers with low education, informal sector workers, private employees, older women and the young, who are more likely to be affected by COVID-19. Keywords: COVID-19, labour market, demographics, Thailand, 1. Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented worldwide economic recession. With lockdowns and social distancing, labour markets have been hit severely and many people are suffering from the [...]

Through sustainable development goals 3 and 8 and other policies, countries have committed to protect and promote workers' health by reducing the work-related burden of disease. To monitor progress on these commitments, indicators that capture the work-related burden of disease should be available for monitoring workers' health and sustainable development. The World Health Organization and the International Labour Organization estimate that only 363 283 (19%) of 1 879 890 work-related deaths globally in 2016 were due to injuries, whereas 1 516 607 (81%) deaths were due to diseases. Most monitoring systems focusing on workers' health or sustainable development, such as the global indicator framework for the sustainable development goals, include an indicator on the burden of occupational injuries. Few such systems, however, have an indicator on the burden of work-related diseases. To address this gap, we present a new global indicator: mortality rate from diseases attributable to selected occupational risk factors, by disease, risk factor, sex and age group. We outline the policy rationale of the indicator, describe its data sources and methods of calculation, and report and analyse the official indicator for 183 countries. We also provide examples of the use of the indicator in national workers' health monitoring systems and highlight the indicator's strengths and limitations. We conclude that integrating the new indicator into monitoring systems will provide more comprehensive and accurate surveillance of workers' health, and allow harmonization across global, regional and national monitoring systems. Inequalities in workers' health can be analysed and the evidence base can be improved towards more effective policy and systems on workers' health. Par le biais des objectifs de developpement durable 3 et 8 ainsi que d'autres mesures, plusieurs pays se sont engages a proteger et promouvoir la sante des travailleurs en reduisant l'impact des maladies liees au travail. Mais pour evaluer leurs progres en la matiere, il convient de mettre en place des indicateurs estimant l'impact des maladies liees au travail afin de placer le developpement durable et la sante des travailleurs sous surveillance. D'apres l'Organisation mondiale de la Sante et l'Organisation internationale du Travail, seulement 363 283 (19%) des 1 879 890 deces lies au travail dans le monde en 2016 decoulaient de blessures, tandis que 1 516 607 (81%) d'entre eux etaient causes par des maladies. La plupart des systemes de surveillance qui s'interessent a la sante des travailleurs ou au developpement durable, comme le cadre mondial d'indicateurs pour les objectifs de developpement durable, comportent un indicateur relatif a l'impact des accidents de travail. Cependant, rares sont ceux qui possedent un indicateur concernant l'impact des maladies professionnelles. Pour combler cette lacune, nous devoilons un nouvel indicateur mondial: le taux de mortalite du aux maladies attribuables a certains facteurs de risque professionnels classe par maladie, facteur de risque, sexe et categorie d'age. Nous exposons le motif politique de l'indicateur, decrivons l'origine des donnees et les methodes de calcul, et communiquons et analysons l'indicateur officiel pour 183 pays. Nous fournissons egalement des exemples de la facon dont l'indicateur peut etre utilise dans des systemes nationaux de surveillance de la sante des travailleurs et soulignons ses forces et faiblesses. Nous concluons en affirmant que l'integration de ce nouvel indicateur dans les systemes de surveillance offrira un suivi plus complet et precis de la sante des travailleurs et ouvrira la voie a une harmonisation des systemes mondiaux, nationaux et regionaux. Il est possible d'analyser les inegalites en matiere de sante des travailleurs et d'en ameliorer les bases factuelles afin d'etablir des politiques et systemes plus efficaces dans ce domaine. A traves de los objetivos de desarrollo sostenlble 3 y 8 y de otras politicas, los paises se han comprometido a proteger y promover la salud de los trabajadores reduciendo la carga de morbilidad relacionada con el trabajo. Para supervisar los avances en el cumplimiento de estos compromisos, deberia disponerse de indicadores que reflejen la carga de morbilidad relacionada con el trabajo, a fin de controlar la salud de los trabajadores y el desarrollo sostenible. La Organizacion Mundial de la Salud y la Organizacion Internacional del Trabajo estiman que solo 363 283 (19%) de las 1 879 890 muertes relacionadas con el trabajo a nivel mundial en 2016 se debieron a lesiones, mientras que 1 516 607 (81%) muertes se debieron a enfermedades. La mayoria de los sistemas de vigilancia centrados en la salud de los trabajadores o el desarrollo sostenible, como el marco de indicadores mundiales para los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible, incluyen un indicador sobre la carga de las lesiones laborales. No obstante, pocos de estos sistemas cuentan con un indicador sobre la carga de las enfermedades relacionadas con el trabajo. Para subsanar esta carencia, presentamos un nuevo indicador mundial: la tasa de mortalidad por enfermedades atribuibles a factores de riesgo laborales seleccionados, por enfermedad, factor de riesgo, sexo y grupo de edad. Describimos la justificacion politica del indicador, describimos sus fuentes de datos y metodos de calculo, e informamos y analizamos el indicador oficial para 183 paises. Tambien proporcionamos ejemplos del uso del indicador en los sistemas nacionales de vigilancia de la salud de los trabajadores y destacamos las ventajas y las limitaciones del indicador. Concluimos que la integracion del nuevo indicador en los sistemas de vigilancia proporcionara una vigilancia mas exhaustiva y precisa de la salud de los trabajadores, y permitira la armonizacion entre los sistemas de vigilancia mundiales, regionales y nacionales. Se podran analizar las desigualdades en la salud de los trabajadores y se podra mejorar la base de evidencias para lograr politicas y sistemas mas eficaces en materia de salud de los trabajadores., Introduction Countries have made policy commitments through the sustainable development goals (SDGs) to ensure health and promote decent work for all. (1) SDG targets 3.9 and 8.8 are to 'substantially [...]

Human trafficking is a problem that has existed throughout time and in every corner of the world. Its causes and solutions are complex and directly tied to the individual dynamics within a region or country. Invariably, the ability to respond to the problem starts with a recognition of the specific socioeconomic and cultural challenges faced by a particular region. The Caribbean presents particular complexities in defining and responding to the problem. Anecdotal reports suggest that the region suffers from significant rates of human trafficking, but little is known about the prevalence and true scope of the crime. Recent efforts to fight trafficking in the region include legislative and policy initiatives. Unfortunately, some of these efforts are flawed insofar as they are based on Western models, with relatively little input from stakeholders in the region. Evidence suggests that these efforts, while admirable, fail because they are not sufficiently nuanced to capture and address the socioeconomic and cultural causes of trafficking in the Caribbean. Surveying the regions human trafficking experts--namely survivors, NGOs focused on trafficking in the Caribbean, scholars, government actors, and policy makers--may be a step toward filling the data gap and developing anti-trafficking solutions that are better suited to the region. Data from a survey gathering regional experts' input on the strengths and weaknesses of different Caribbean countries' responses to human trafficking could empower the Caribbean region to tackle the issues with solutions created by and for Caribbean people. Altering or expanding on existing solutions in ways that address the unique cultural social, economic, and geographic situation of the Caribbean will ultimately be the most effective way to eradicate human trafficking in the region. KEYWORDS: human trafficking; Haiti; Guyana; Jamaica; Caribbean; legal responses to sex trafficking; crime; anti-trafficking legislation; Organization of American States; Caribbean-centered initiatives, INTRODUCTION Anecdotal evidence suggests that human trafficking in the Caribbean is widespread. In Haiti, traffickers buy and sell children found in orphanages. In Guyana, men are forced to toil in [...]

The February 2021 military coup in Myanmar appears to have rendered null the many projections, proposals and prognostications that academics advanced over the preceding decade--the period of 'democratic transition', as it was then optimistically regarded. But perhaps when considered from a post-coup vantage point those earlier analyses, which tell of the tensions and trajectories of the transition-era, can be made to speak to the political knots and contradictions that underlay the coup and that continue to haunt the post-coup moment. So motivated, this article revisits the 2020 volume Unraveling Myanmar's Transition, edited by Pavin Chachavalpongpun, Elliott Prasse-Freeman and Patrick Strefford. The article proposes three overlapping frames for making sense of Myanmar's transition: seeing that period as one of structural adjustment, of an inter-elite pact and of an imperialist project. Keywords: capitalism, coup d etat, democratization, liberalization, Myanmar., Pondering, sometime in 1931, the ironies of post-hoc historical understanding, Walter Benjamin invoked a Hegelian aphorism. 'Only when it is dark', he wrote (1968, p. 9), 'does the owl of [...]

Background: There is a long tradition in environmental health of using frameworks for evidence synthesis, such as those of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its Integrated Science Assessments and the International Agency for Research on Cancer Monographs. The framework, Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE), was developed for evidence synthesis in clinical medicine. The U.S. Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) elaborated an approach for evidence synthesis in environmental health building on GRADE. Methods: We applied a modified OHAT approach and a broader 'narrative' assessment to assess the level of confidence in a large systematic review on traffic-related air pollution and health outcomes. Discussion: We discuss several challenges with the OHAT approach and its implementation and suggest improvements for synthesizing evidence from observational studies in environmental health. We consider the determination of confidence using a formal rating scheme of up- and downgrading of certain factors, the treatment of every factor as equally important, and the lower initial confidence rating of observational studies to be fundamental issues in the OHAT approach. We argue that some observational studies can offer high-confidence evidence in environmental health. We note that heterogeneity in magnitude of effect estimates should generally not weaken the confidence in the evidence, and consistency of associations across study designs, populations, and exposure assessment methods may strengthen confidence in the evidence. We mention that publication bias should be explored beyond statistical methods and is likely limited when large and collaborative studies comprise most of the evidence and when accrued over several decades. We propose to identify possible key biases, their most likely direction, and their potential impacts on the results. We think that the OHAT approach and other GRADE-type frameworks require substantial modification to align better with features of environmental health questions and the studies that address them. We emphasize that a broader, 'narrative' evidence assessment based on the systematic review may complement a formal GRADE-type evaluation. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11532, Introduction Evidence synthesis is widely used to summarize findings of health effects studies of environmental exposures. Such syntheses are typically part of systematic reviews of observational epidemiologic study findings and [...]

The European Union (EU) re-instated the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for Myanmar from 2013 following the newly established 'democratic' government in 2011. This paper highlights a series of democratic reforms in Myanmar as a key driver of the EU's GSP re-instatement. We estimate the causal impact of duty-free access on Myanmar's exports by exploiting the fact that the GSP re-instatement corresponded to a removal of Most-Favoured-Nation tariff rates in the EU market, which was plausibly exogenous for industries in Myanmar. The results show that the GSP re-instatement had a significantly large positive effect on Myanmar's exports, with the most pronounced impact on the volume of garment exports. The EU's GSP played a key role in linking democratic reforms to subsequent trade growth in Myanmar. Keywords: Democracy, human rights, trade, GSP, Myanmar. Article received: September 2021: revised: April 2022; accepted: June 2022, 1. Introduction Democratization and economic globalization have concurrently occurred in the developing world for past decades (Milner and Kubota 2005; Mukherjee 2016). The relationship between democracy and trade has received [...]

This article looks at the link between global capitalism, the hyperincarceration of poor and racialized communities, and surplus labor. It explores the exclusion of formerly incarcerated individuals from social institutions in a revolving door of control and repression. In an effort to draw out the links between the micro, meso, and macro levels of analysis, I undertake a macro-analysis of the crisis of global capitalism and then turn to twelve interviews with self-identified Chicano men that are part of a larger project involving an ethnographic approach. I show how the formerly incarcerated face what I term a revolving door incarceration system--a system that funnels people back into the prison system and that forms part of what Robinson calls the global police state. The article calls for an abolitionist perspective that rallies for the abolition of the prison industrial complex and the criminal (injustice system. It argues that such a justice standpoint must include a critique of and struggle against global capitalism., I WAS LYING DOWN FACE UP ON A SIX BY FOUR METAL UNCOMFORTABLE bunk bed. I was staring at the ceiling, where VSM 13, EVD 13, VHB 13, and Varrio [...]

This study aims to estimate and evaluate the economic impact of increased youth employment in the Indonesian informal sector. It examines informal sector activity as an employment indicator and investment multiplier in the economic system at the macro level. Furthermore, informal sector workers' challenges, including low work quality, low wage rate, long working hours, and lack of social security are considered. The study assesses female worker vulnerability in the informal sector, and their growing contribution to the labor market. Study results show the disparity between the informal and formal workers wages and working hours. The author argues that disparity between social security measures afforded to informal and formal workers represents discrimination and deprivation. Policy initiating and external agencies such as the International Labor Organization found increased female participation in the labor market. This has not eliminated wage, occupation and social security disparities between the men and women in the informal sector. As a result, female workers remain less financially and socially empowered than male workers. Keywords: employment, gender, informal sector, labor, wage, workforce participation., Introduction Women are major driving forces in Indonesian economic growth within both formal and informal employment (Casale & Posel, 2005; Posadas & Sinha, 2010; Reerink, 2006). Many studies and reports [...]

The concept of social security is not a new phenomenon in Africa. Before the introduction of formal social security systems, local communities had their unique traditional ways of protecting their members from the hazards and vicissitude of life. This paper provides an overview of social security in Africa. Arguably, high unemployment in the region has contributed to the rise of the informal sector. Nevertheless, this sector has been precluded from the existing formal social security arrangements. Through an extensive and systematic review of literature on social security, it was established that existing formal social security systems in Africa are fragmented and lack inclusivity. The findings revealed that most of the population is excluded from formal social security schemes because they work in the informal sector. However, the existing formal social security schemes are generally labour-centred and state-regulated. The recommendations include transforming existing social security measures to include the informal sector and other vulnerable groups. The social security narrative needs to be revisited in light of the low coverage. There is a need to integrate and synchronise existing formal social security strategies with traditional social security arrangements in the region. Keywords: Social security; social insurance; social assistance; voluntary insurance; social security reform, 1. Introduction Recently, interest in social security has grown rapidly in many countries in Africa. The need for social protection has become one of the most pressing issues in the [...]

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed vulnerabilities and fragilities in global value chains. The worldwide economic lockdowns to contain COVID-19 have led in some industries to unilateral cancellations and suspensions of orders from overseas suppliers by transnational corporations (TNCs). These decisions are argued to be in conflict with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Sustainable Development Goals, and related national laws because they have contributed to the risk that the human rights of workers will be violated and that they will become victims of modern slavery. In response, international business policies that target the conduct of TNCs and global value chains need to be reconsidered to achieve global value chain integration while strengthening local bargaining, affording sustainable growth, and protecting human rights. Keywords: COVID-19, human rights, modern slavery, SDGs, UNGP, 1. Introduction Participation in global value chains (GVCs) has long been considered an important and effective policy tool to support the industrialization of the local economy, creation of employment, upgrading [...]

Objective To develop a method to assess the cost of extending the duration of maternity leave for formally-employed women at the national level and apply it in Brazil, Ghana and Mexico. Methods We adapted a World Bank costing method into a five-step method to estimate the costs of extending the length of maternity leave mandates. Our method used the unit cost of maternity leave based on working women's weekly wages; the number of additional weeks of maternity leave to be analysed for a given year; and the weighted population of women of reproductive and legal working age in a given country in that year. We weighted the population by the probability of having a baby that year among women in formal employment, according to individual characteristics. We applied nationally representative cross-sectional data from fertility, employment and population surveys to estimate the costs of maternity leave for mothers employed in the formal sector in Brazil, Ghana and Mexico for periods from 12 weeks up to 26 weeks, the WHO target for exclusive breastfeeding. Findings We estimated that 640 742 women in Brazil, 33 869 in Ghana and 288 655 in Mexico would require formal maternity leave annually. The median weekly cost of extending maternity leave for formally working women was purchasing power parity international dollars (PPP$) 195.07 per woman in Brazil, PPP$ 109.68 in Ghana and PPP$ 168.83 in Mexico. Conclusion Our costing method could facilitate evidence-based policy decisions across countries to improve maternity protection benefits and support breastfeeding. [phrase omitted] [phrase omitted] Objectif Developper une methode permettant de calculer le cout d'une prolongation du conge de maternite pour les femmes officiellement employees au niveau national et l'appliquer au Bresil, au Ghana et au Mexique. Methodes Nous avons adapte une methode de calcul des couts empruntee a la Banque mondiale et l'avons divisee en cinq etapes afin d'estimer le cout d'un allongement de la duree du conge de maternite. Notre methode a utilise le prix unitaire d'un conge de maternite en s'appuyant sur le revenu hebdomadaire moyen des femmes; le nombre de semaines de conge supplementaires a analyser pour une annee donnee; et la population ponderee de femmes en age de travailler et de procreer dans un pays donne durant cette annee. Nous avons pondere la population en fonction de la probabilite d'avoir un enfant cette annee-la chez les femmes occupant un emploi officiel, selon des caracteristiques individuelles. Nous avons eu recours a des donnees transversales representatives a l'echelle nationale issues d'enquetes sur la fertilite, l'emploi et la population afin de determiner le cout du conge de maternite des meres travaillant dans le secteur officiel au Bresil, au Ghana et au Mexique. Et ce, sur des periodes comprises entre 12 et 26 semaines, qui correspondent a la duree d'allaitement exclusif recommandee par l'OMS. Resultats Nous estimons que chaque annee, 640 742 femmes au Bresil, 33 869 femmes au Ghana et 288 655 au Mexique auraient besoin d'un conge de maternite officiel. Le cout hebdomadaire moyen d'un allongement du conge de maternite pour les femmes officiellement employees, exprime en dollars internationaux a parite de pouvoir d'achat ($PPA), est de 195,07 $PPA par femme au Bresil, 109,68 $PPA au Ghana et 168,83 $PPA au Mexique. Conclusion Notre methode de calcul des couts pourrait faciliter les decisions politiques fondees sur des donnees probantes dans les differents pays, afin d'ameliorer les avantages lies a la protection de la maternite et de favoriser l'allaitement. [phrase omitted] Objetivo Elaborar un metodo para evaluar el costo que supone ampliar la duracion de la licencia de maternidad de las mujeres empleadas oficialmente a nivel nacional con el fin de aplicarlo en Brasil, Ghana y Mexico. Metodos Se adapto un metodo de calculo de costos del Banco Mundial a un metodo de cinco pasos para estimar los costos relacionados con la ampliacion de la duracion de los mandatos de licencia de maternidad. El metodo utilizo el costo unitario de la licencia de maternidad basado en los salarios semanales de las trabajadoras; el numero de semanas adicionales de licencia de maternidad que se debian analizar para un ano determinado; y la poblacion ponderada de mujeres en edad de procrear y de trabajar legalmente en un pais determinado en ese ano. Se pondero la poblacion por la probabilidad de tener un hijo ese ano entre las mujeres con empleo formal, segun las caracteristicas individuales. Ademas, se aplicaron datos transversales representativos a nivel nacional que se obtuvieron de las encuestas de fertilidad, empleo y poblacion para estimar los costos de la licencia de maternidad de las madres empleadas en el sector formal de Brasil, Ghana y Mexico por periodos de 12 a 26 semanas, que es el objetivo de la OMS para la lactancia materna exclusiva. Resultados Se estimo que 640 742 mujeres en Brasil, 33 869 en Ghana y 288 655 en Mexico requeririan anualmente una licencia de maternidad formal. El costo semanal medio de la ampliacion de la licencia de maternidad para las mujeres que trabajan oficialmente fue de 195, 07 dolares internacionales de paridad del poder adquisitivo ($PPA) por mujer en Brasil, 109,68 $PPA en Ghana y 168,83 $PPA en Mexico. Conclusion Este metodo de calculo de costos podria facilitar la toma de decisiones sobre politica basadas en pruebas para mejorar las prestaciones de proteccion de la maternidad y apoyar la lactancia materna en todos los paises., Introduction Creating an enabling environment for women to successfully breastfeed has wide-reaching health, economic and environmental benefits. (1, 2) Improving breastfeeding outcomes globally could prevent an estimated 823 000 child [...]

This article assesses the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on labour rights in Australia. It considers this impact according to three labour rights (the right to work; the right to [...]

Latin American women are on the move today, taking their demands to the streets throughout the region in unprecedented numbers. What these demands reveal is a growing frustration and anger among women with the distance between official democratic promises and protections and the limited gains in basic rights, even the reversal of minimal achievements in places like Central America and Brazil. Feminists are weaving together different struggles into an intersectional movement explicitly linking gender demands to the end of a neoliberal capitalist model of development and its devastating social, economic and ecological effects on Latin America's overwhelming majority. A critical Latin American feminism aimed at apprehending the present predicament of women in the region, I suggest, needs to extend its commitment to producing knowledge from below and to the left, by reaching further, and engaging critically with Marx and his feminist critics. Given the widespread impact of the present capitalist modernity, tethered to neo-extractivism, not only on the lives of peasant and indigenous Latin Americans but also of increasingly broader sectors of rural and urban society and in particular, on the lives of women, it is imperative that we understand the structural nature of the relation between women, capitalism and nature. Keywords: Critical Latin American Feminisms, Capitalism, Social Reproduction, Primitive Accumulation, Marx and Nature, Introduction Latin American women are on the move today, taking their demands to the streets throughout the region in unprecedented numbers. The commemoration of March 8th in particular, since 2015 [...]

Does the amount of parental leave afforded an individual have any statistically significant impact on perceived happiness? In looking at the 2015 United Nations' World Happiness Report (WHR), one can identify the level of happiness for a number of countries within Europe. In addition, the eleventh International Review of Leave Policies and Related Research, along with the International Labour Organization's most recent review of worldwide parental leave policies reflects the amount of parental leave afforded parents in each of the same European countries. Using this information, research was performed to determine if there is any statistical significance between perceived happiness and amount of parental leave required by law. This determination was made using quantitative data analysis methods via two multiple linear regression models. The results were contradictory, thus leading one to believe further research is needed. Given the multitude of factors influencing one's level of happiness, the amount of parental leave afforded the individual is but one, albeit small, factor when looking at the overall picture. Additional opportunities for further research and impact on corporate human resource policy decisions regarding leave are also addressed. Keywords: Parental leave, happiness measurement, work-life balance, legislative measures, European comparative review, INTRODUCTION Happiness is a state of being that can result from many different factors and situations. Measures are attributed to the amount or scale of happiness being experienced in an [...]

More than 2 billion people (about 61% of the global workforce) are engaged in the informal economy; this represents 88% of total employment in India, over 80% for countries as [...]

Recent decades have seen a proliferation of global multistakeholder initiatives that address 'problems without passports,' but the effectiveness of these initiatives is debatable. This article discusses Better Work, an initiative that improves labor standards in the garment industry. It provides an overview of the program and discusses five lessons from Better Work that can be applied to other initiatives. These are: cooperation can be more effective than coercion; training complements the application of incentives; local ownership is critical for global initiatives; international organizations can anchor initiatives to prevent capture by powerful stakeholders; and multinational corporations can be responsible partners, but should not play a leading role. KEYWORDS: economics, international organizations, labor standards, corporate social responsibility., IT HAS BECOME CLICHE TO SAY THAT GLOBAL INSTITUTIONS ARE INCAPABLE OF tackling global problems--a pessimism that is not entirely unwarranted. 'Problems without passports,' such as genocide, climate change, terrorism, [...]

The study aims at exploring the socio-economic vulnerability of female irregular migrant&apos;s workers that contributed to reinforce their exploitation and gender based violence, taking Ethiopian Female domestic workers in Khartoum State as a case under investigation. A qualitative method was used to gather in-depth reactions and responses that focused on the information needed to analyze vulnerability of Female migrants that contributed to their exploitation and Gender Based Violence (GBV). For this purpose, a sample of 15 of females from irregular migrants who work as domestic servants was selected with help of Ethiopian students at Ahfad University for Women. The results revealed that the irregular migrants were illiterate and young. They worked in very low income and unsecured jobs such vulnerability exposed them to many types of exploitation during their migration process and the work they do. The study indicated that the unrealistic expectations, lack of proper information on the migration process and procedures and on employment opportunities were considered as causes of exploitation. The study found that GBV was highly prevalent among those interviewed, with more of irregular migrants reporting to have experienced physical and emotional violence. The study also indicated that some migrants were exposed to sexual harassment and few mentioned their exposure to rape. All irregular migrants had never talked about the violence. The results indicated the difficulties in the flow of information among those irregular migrant domestic workers. Most migrants neither have mechanism nor means to receive information nor did not have contact with international and national organizations which provide services to refugees and migrants. The study concluded that poverty, illiteracy, young age and the illegal status in Sudan increased the vulnerability of the Ethiopian irregular migrant workers hence exposed them to exploitation and GBV. The study recommended improving female irregular migrant workers&apos; access to meaningful and gender-sensitive migration information and education to protect their Rights. Keywords: GBV, Ethiopian migrant, domestic workers, Khartoum State [phrase omitted], Introduction Almost half of the total numbers of migrant workers in the world today are women. While women have always migrated as accompanying spouses and family members, contemporary migration dynamics [...]

Since the 1980s, the ready-made garments (RMG) sector has opened up the door that allowed poor people, particularly women, to potentially lead a better life in Bangladesh. Economic globalisation has led to the growth of more employment opportunities for those women who are from the most disadvantaged sector of the society and the greatest beneficiaries of employment in the RMG sector as they have gained the power to earn. However, these women workers are also the most vulnerable to the weak legal provisions and compliance enforcement of this sector. Given the situation, the intention of the study is to highlight a bridge between group theories and institutional models through an advanced policy model-process to uphold the rights and enhance empowerment of women labourers in the RMG sector of Bangladesh. Using group theories, the study shows that decision making in the RMG sector has given high concentration to a few policy actors who are economic elites, such as entrepreneurs, and has given highest priority to achieving monetary returns. Evidence from research proves that the trade unions are virtually absent and therefore, women workers' collective bargaining activities for addressing their grievances is limited (Mahmud & Kabeer, 2003, p.33). Moreover, literature suggests that the factory owners are vigilant to the threat of stakeholders like unions or employees' associations and are largely responsible for causing unhealthy management-labour relations in RMG (Afsar, 2004, p. 142; Khan, 2004, p. 173).This has led to the violation of Bangladeshi women workers' basic rights, including equal pay, job security and trade unionism, and labour standards such as health and safety issues. The study argues that, inadequate legislative enforcement, 'for ensuring labour rights as well as codes of conduct' largely ignore women workers' voice and rights in the elite-led RMG sector of Bangladesh. Key words: Ready-made garments, Group theory, Institutional model, New-policy model process, Bangladesh., Introduction Since the 1980s, the rise of the ready-made garments (RMG) sector has opened up the door that made it possible for poor people, particularly women, to potentially lead a [...]

This paper examines the role International Intergovernmental Organization (IGO) memberships have on defense expenditures, arguing that state leaders substitute high military spending rates for IGO membership as the information transmission [...]

In Poland, the use of asbestos was banned in 1997 and asbestos plants have been closed since then. Despite their closure, cases of asbestos-related occupational diseases among former asbestos workers are still being recorded in the Central Register of Occupational Diseases. Between 2001 and 2014, there were 2726 asbestos-related illnesses, classified and reported as diseases associated with occupational exposure to asbestos. In 2000, Poland, Introduced a programme called Amiantus, targeted at former asbestos- processing plant workers. The programme provided periodic medical examinations to workers and free access to medications for treatment of asbestos-related illnesses. Introduction of the programme provided additional data to generate a reliable estimation of the number of asbestos-related occupational diseases, including cancer. The average latency period for asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma is about 40 years so there may still be some health impact to former workers necessitating follow-up. We present the Polish experience of implementing a medical examination programme for asbestos-exposed workers and provide a list of activities to consider when planning for such a programme. En Pologne, l'utilisation de l'amiante a ete Interdite en 1997 et depuis, les usines d'amiante ont ete fermees. Malgre leur fermeture, des cas de maladies professionnelles liees a l'amiante chez les anciens travailleurs de l'amiante continuent d'etre enregistres dans le Registre central des maladies professionnelles. Entre 2001 et 2014, 2726 maladies liees a l'amiante ont ete classifiees et consignees dans la categorie des maladies associees a une exposition professionnelle a l'amiante. En 2000, la Pologne a mis en oeuvre un programme appele Amiantus qui vise les anciens travailleurs des usines de transformation de l'amiante. Ce programme a permis aux travailleurs de passer des examens medicaux periodiques et d'avoir gratuitement acces aux medlcaments pour le traitement des maladies liees a l'amiante. L'adoption de ce programme a entraine la collecte de nouvelles donnees permettant de fournir une estimation fiable du nombre de maladies professionnelles liees a l'amiante, dont le cancer. La periode de latence moyenne pour l'asbestose, le cancer du poumon et le mesotheliome etant d'environ 40 ans, des consequences sur ia sante des anciens travailleurs, Imposant un suivi, risquent encore de se manifester. Nous presentons l'experience menee par la Pologne pour mettre en oeuvre un programme d'examens medicaux destine aux travailleurs exposes a l'amiante et fournissons une liste d'activites a prendre en compte au moment de concevoir ce type de programme. En Polonia, el uso del amianto se prohibio en 1997 y, desde entonces, las plantas de tratamiento del amianto estan cerradas. A pesar de su cierre, siguen registrandose casos de enfermedades laborales relacionadas con el amianto entre los antiguos trabajadores de este material. Entre 2001 y 2014, se detectaron 2 726 casos de enfermedades relacionadas con el amianto, clasificadas y registradas como enfermedades asociadas a la exposicion laboral al amianto en el registro central de enfermedades laborales. En el ano 2000, Polonia presento un programa titulado Amiantus, dirigido a antiguos trabajadores de plantas de tratamiento del amianto. El programa ofrecio pruebas medicas periodicas a los trabajadores y acceso gratuito a medicamentos para el tratamiento de enfermedades relacionadas con el amianto. La introduccion del programa ofrecio informacion adicional para generar una estimacion fiable del numero de enfermedades laborales relacionadas con el amianto, Incluido el cancer. El periodo de latencia media de la asbestosis, cancer de pulmon y mesotelioma es de unos 40 anos, por lo que aun puede existir cierto impacto para la salud de los antiguos trabajadores y, por tanto, necesitan someterse a un seguimiento. Se presenta la experiencia polaca acerca' de la implementacion de un programa de pruebas medicas para trabajadores expuestos al amianto y se ofrece una lista de actividades a considerar a la hora de planificar dicho programa., Introduction Poland banned the use of crocidolite asbestos in the mid-eighties and in 1997 introduced a parliamentary Act banning the use, import and production of asbestos and asbestos-containing products. (1) [...]

A robust health infrastructure in every country is the most effective long-term preparedness strategy for global health emergencies. This Includes not only health systems and their human resources, but also countries' legal Infrastructure for health: the laws and policies that empower, obligate and sometimes limit government and private action. The law is also an important tool in health promotion and protection. Public health professionals play Important roles in health law--from the development of policies, through their enforcement, to the scientific evaluation of the health impact of laws. Member States are already mandated to communicate their national health laws and regulations to the World Health Organization (WHO). In this paper we propose that WHO has the authority and credibility to support capacity-building in the area of health law within Member States, and to make national laws easier to access, understand, monitor and evaluate. We believe a strong case can be made to donors for the funding of a public health law centre or unit, that has adequate staffing, is robustly networked with its regional counterparts and Is Integrated into the main work of WHO. The mission of the unit or centre would be to define and integrate scientific and legal expertise in public health law, both technical and programmatic, across the work of WHO, and to conduct and facilitate global health policy surveillance. [TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] Avoir une infrastructure sanitaire solide dans chaque pays est la meilleure strategie a long terme de preparation aux urgences sanitaires mondiales. Il s'agit non seulement des systemes de sante et de leurs ressources humaines, mais aussi de l'infrastructure juridique des pays en matiere de sante: les lois et les politiques qui permettent, obligent et parfois limitent l'action du gouvernement et du secteur prive. La legislation est egalement un outil important pour la promotion et la protection de la sante. Les professionnels de la sante publique jouent un role important vis-a-vis de la legislation sanitaire--de l'elaboration des politiques a leur application, en passant par l'evaluation scientifique de l'impact des lois sur la sante. Les Etats membres sont deja charges de faire part de leurs lois et reglements nationaux en matiere de sante a l'Organisation mondiale de la Sante (OMS). Le present article suggere que l'OMS, qui dispose de l'autorite et de la credibilite pour le faire, participe au renforcement des capacites dans le domaine de la legislation sanitaire des Etats membres et facilite l'acces, la comprehension, le controle et l'evaluation des lois nationales. Des arguments convaincants peuvent etre presentes aux bailleurs de fonds pour le financement d'un centre ou d'une unite de legislation de la sante publique qui disposerait du personnel necessaire, entretiendrait de solides relations avec ses homologues regionaux et serait integre aux principaux travaux de l'OMS. La mission de cette unite ou de ce centre consisterait a definir et integrer l'expertise scientifique et juridique dans la legislation de la sante publique, sur le plan technique et programmatique, dans le cadre des travaux de l'OMS, et a realiser et faciliter la surveillance des politiques sanitaires mondiales. [TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] Una infraestructura sanitaria firme en todos los paises es la estrategia de preparacion mas eficaz a largo plazo para tratar las emergencias sanitarias en todo el mundo. Esto no solo Incluye los sistemas sanitarios y sus recursos humanos, sinotambien la infraestructura legal para la salud de cada pais: las leyes y politicas que facultan, obligan y, en ocasiones, limitan la accion privada y del gobierno. La legislacion tambien es una herramienta Importante para el fomento y la proteccion de la salud. Los profesionales de la salud publica tienen funciones fundamentales en la legislacion sanitaria: desde el desarrollo de politicas a traves de su puesta en vigor, hasta la evaluacion cientifica del impacto sanitario de las leyes. Ya se ha encomendado a los Estados Miembros que comuniquen sus leyes y normativas de salud nacionales a la Organizacion Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Este articulo propone que la OMS tenga la autoridad y credibilidad para dar apoyo a la creacion de capacidad de las leyes sanitarias de los Estados Miembros, y para facilitar el acceso, la comprension, la supervision y la evaluacion de las leyes nacionales. Creemos que hay argumentos firmes a favor de las contribuciones para la financiacion de un centro o unidad de derecho de salud publica que cuente con el personal adecuado, tenga un sistema de redes solido con sus contrapartes regionales y este Integrado con el trabajo principal de la OMS. La mision de la unidad o centro seria definir e integrar la experiencia cientifica y legal en la ley de salud publica, tanto en el aspecto tecnico como programatico, a traves del trabajo de la OMS, asi como dirigir y facilitar el control de las politicas sanitarias globales., Introduction At times of global health emergencies, such as the Ebola and Zika virus disease outbreaks, the world looks to the World Health Organization (WHO) for leadership. When problems are [...]

Byline: T. Rajgopal Way back in 2013 the then Director General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Guy Ryder in his message on the World Day for Safety and Health [...]