UNDP

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Labour Rights

Significant use of contract workers or outsourced labour in business operations

 

Flexible contracting arrangements can provide needed flexibility to both businesses and workers. But contract work is also often associated with significant decent-work gaps such as reduced income and social security coverage. Excessive use of contract workers may lead to a decline in collective bargaining rights and the effectiveness of workers’ councils or representatives. In turn, workers may be more vulnerable to discrimination and poor and unsafe working environments as they often lack negotiating and bargaining power.

Relevant Human Rights Instruments

International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, 1966, Articles 7 and 9

SDG 8

DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

SDG 8.8

Addressing risks related to contractual work leads to gains in SDG 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments of all workers, including migrant workers, particularly women migrants, and those in precarious employment