International Labor Standards: History, Theory, and Policy Options

‘Questions relating to international labour standards have been the subject of much controversy and research as several unions and some rich-country governments have sought to advance them through sanctions while most poor-country governments and some important and sizeable democratic unions in them have opposed this. This volume is an important and timely contribution to this debate, providing scholarly and penetrating research to illuminate the issues at stake. It is a classic that must be studied by everyone engaged in this debate.’ Jagdish Bhagwati, Columbia University <!--end-->

‘International Labor Standards is an extremely valuable and wide-ranging introduction to current debates over labor standards. The book gives a detailed history of standards; a broad and even-handed view of economic arguments for and against standards; and serious discussion of the problem of child labor. [It] concludes with an intriguing analysis of the potential role of the World Trade Organization in helping to raise standards. In place of the vitriole and rhetoric that the debate over standards all too often degenerates into, this volume is a serious investigation of what we know and do not know in this area.’ Richard Freeman, London School of Economics

‘This impressive book brings together some of the best research on the important and controversial topic of international labor standards. The contributions are illuminating and provocative, and they provide a valuable scientific foundation for policy debates.’ Kyle Bagwell, Columbia University