Problem
Inadequate working conditions
Experimental visualization of narrower problems
Other Names:
Poor working conditionsAdverse working environment
Denial of right to favourable work conditions
International imbalance of quality of working life
Inequitable labour standards
Sweatshop conditions
Nature:
Without strong trade union organization and collective bargaining procedures, employers can lay down unfavourable working conditions for their workers. The worker's interests are sacrificed to the objective of speeding up the development of the national economy. The situation is perpetuated so long as there is a supply of cheap labour unprotected by effective unions. Those most often victimized are women and children, ethnic minorities and the handicapped.
Incidence:
In spite of improvements introduced through protective social legislation, as well as through humanitarian policies adopted by some employers, inhumane working conditions can still found in most countries, particularly in industrializing areas where population density is high or rural conditions poor.
Broader Problems:
Grievances of employeesExploitation in employmentDiscriminatory international orderInternational imbalance in the quality of life Narrower Problems:
Inadequate equipmentUnderpayment for workExcessive job controlUnregulated outdoor workBadly laid out work premisesAbsence of agreed minimum wageSweatshop labourInadequate working conditions for womenInadequate working conditions for seafarersLack of time flexibility in the labour marketInadequate working conditions in the militaryInadequate working conditions for land tenantsInadequate working conditions for professionalsInadequate conditions of work in the textile industryInadequate conditions of work of agricultural workersInadequate conditions of work in the construction industryInadequate living and working conditions of immigrant labourersInadequate conditions of work in the hotel and catering industriesInadequate working conditions of employees of commerce and officesInadequate conditions of work and employment in utility supply servicesInadequate conditions of work and employment of public service personnel Related Problems:
UnderproductivityPoor living conditionsInadequacy of international standardsDiscriminatory imposition of standards Aggravates:
FatigueOverworkCivil disordersLack of qualityPolitical upheavalsSectoral imbalancesIncapacity from workOccupational diseasesLack of job satisfactionExcessive turnover in skilled personnelDifferential labour costs among countriesDisruptive migration of trained personnelDeterioration of living standards of workers Strategies:
Creating free trade zonesEvaluating effects of world trade agreements on labour standardsResearching effects of poor working conditionsImproving working environmentDenying right to favourable work conditionsBalancing international quality of working lifeUnbalancing international quality of working life Organizations:
International Labour Organization (ILO)Arab Labour Organization (ALO)Arab Institute for Labour Education and ResearchFair Labor Association (FLA)European Labour Authority (ELA)Global Labour Institute (GLI)Global Labour University (GLU)Global March Against Child LabourInternational Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour and Forced Labour (IPEC+)Society for the Study of Labour HistoryWorld Labour Institute (WLI)Labour Action for Peace (LAP)Japan International Labour Foundation (JILAF) References:
International Labour Organization: Bibliography of Periodicals on the Quality of Working LifeInternational Labour Organization: Improving Working Conditions and Environment: an international programme (PIACT)Delamotte, Yves and Takezawa, S: Quality of Working Life in International Perspective Subject(s):
Commerce → MerchantsMedicine → Skin
Research, Standards → Quality unification
Research, Standards → Standards
Social Activity → Employment conditions
Social Activity → Work
Societal Problems → Deprivation
Societal Problems → Imbalances
Societal Problems → Inadequacy
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
D: Detailed problems Date of last update
10.09.2021 – 17:30 CEST