This book
reviews the history of labour relations in Nepal and considers criticisms
of the existing industrial relations system. It reports on the
re-emergence of the militant Maoist trade union and the recent upsurge in
strikes and demonstrations in Nepal. A reduction in workplace tension is
needed to cement in place the recent peace agreement, facilitate political
stability and promote economic growth.
Focusing on
broad economic developments since 1990, it sheds light on how labour
legislation and labour institutions have influenced investment, growth and
jobs over the long term. The views of those most directly affected by the
labour legislation, institutions and attitudes that govern industrial
relations in Nepal have been collected through surveys and interviews with
managing directors and entrepreneurs, trade union leaders and hundreds of
ordinary workers from a range of locations, industries and occupations.
These views have heavily influenced the conclusions presented in this
volume.
The world faces a huge challenge of creating productive
jobs for its expanding labour force. Unlike the challenge of sustaining
global economic growth or that of correcting global trade imbalances, this
global employment challenge is barely recognized and its nature and
magnitude are certainly not well understood. Indeed, there is a widespread
(though rarely stated) belief that even in an era of globalization
employment remains a national concern, so that there can be no such thing
as a global employment challenge. Yet the employment challenge today is
global in several important respects. Inadequate availability of
productive jobs is now a worldwide phenomenon. Global forces –
cross-border flows of trade, capital and labour – have significant con -
sequences for employment in individual countries. Also, international
policies are now as important as national policies for expanding
opportunities for productive employment in less developed countries, which
is where most of the world’s workers live and where almost all of the
world’s new workers will live.
This authoritative compendium brings together the latest thinking of
leading academics, actuaries, and development professionals in the
microinsurance field. The result is a practical, wide-ranging resource
which provides the most thorough overview of the subject to date.
The book allows readers to benefit from the valuable lessons learned from
a project launched by the CGAP Working Group on Microinsurance analysing
operations around the world. Essential reading for insurance
professionals, practitioners and anyone involved with offering insurance
to low-income persons, this volume covers the many aspects of
microinsurance in detail, including product design, marketing, premium
collection and governance.
It also discusses the various institutional arrangements available for
delivery such as the community- based approach, insurance companies owned
by networks of savings and credit cooperatives and microfinance
institutions.
The roles of key stakeholders are also explored and the book offers
insightful strategies for achieving the right balance between coverage,
costs and price.
Essential reading for all those concerned with the history and
practice of industrial relations, this landmark volume chronicles
the evolution of the field to date. It focuses on the largely untold
story of how the globalization of industrial relations took hold,
and explores in depth the pivotal events, ideas and people behind
it.
KEY FEATURES:
Provides the only comprehensive, up-to-date account of the
evolution of the industrial relations field
Outlines the four pillars that led to the internationalization
of industrial relations after World War II
Includes substantive background on the roots of industrial
relations in the Anglo-Saxon countries, including the role of the
IIRA
Traces the development of modern industrial relations in
continental Europe, Japan, Republic of Korea, India, Africa and
Latin America
Discusses the future prospects for the field of industrial
relations
WORLD COMMISSION ON THE SOCIAL DIMENSION OF
GLOBALIZATION
Excerpts from the Preface:
"We believe the dominant perspective on globalization must shift more from a narrow
preoccupation with markets to a broader preoccupation with people. Globalization must be
brought from the high pedestal of corporate board rooms and cabinet meetings to meet the
needs of people in the communities in which they live. The social dimension of
globalization is about jobs, health and education – but it goes far beyond these. It
is the dimension of globalization which people experience in their daily life and work:
the totality of their aspirations for democratic participation and material prosperity.
A better globalization is the key to a better and secure life for people everywhere in
the 21st century.
"We also propose a
process by which such a perspective can be realized at all levels, beginning with
empowered local communities and improved and more accountable national governance; fair
global rules applied fairly; and global institutions that are more pro-people.
In today’s global economy,
corporate managers are in the front line when it comes to transforming management
principles from an abstract vision into reality. International labour standards (ILS)
can be effective and powerful tools around which managers can build their corporate
policies and practices. ILS embody the principle that workers are an asset in which to
invest, rather than a cost to be borne, and this book presents convincing evidence that
the practical implementation of these standards can help a company develop its
competitive edge by putting people first.
The book presents numerous
case studies from both large and small companies all over the world, where the adoption
of ILS has transformed working practices. It provides concrete examples of how
implementing ILS on issues such as recruiting and hiring, employee involvement and
labour relations, and health and safety, has helped organizations to create a healthy
and positive working environment while at the same time reducing labour costs and
increasing productivity.
Dealing with such
contemporary contexts as the global economy, online recruiting, an ageing workforce, and
HIV/AIDS in the workplace, this is a timely and important resource for managers who want
to know how to treat their employees with dignity without compromising the bottom line.
It shows how implementing ILS in any company is not only a wise code of conduct, but
makes sound business sense as well.
Labour standards have long
been upheld by the ILO as an essential pillar of development and peace at the national
and international levels. Respect for fundamental rights at work is at the core of the
ILO's decent work strategy. This important new book offers valuable insight on the
content and application of the ILO's fundamental international labour standards and
related standards.
These fundamental standards
— on freedom of association collective bargaining, the abolition of forced and
compulsory labour, equality of opportunity and treatment, and the protection of of
children and young people — form the basis of the ILO's Declaration on Fundamental
Princi-ples and Rights at Work and its Follow-up, 1998.
The book offers a detailed
description of the relevant Conventions and their principles, along with specific
problems encountered in their application at national level. Together, the information
in this volume provides a thoughtful overview which can provide the basis for an ever
more practical and fuller application of fundamental human rights worldwide. A crucial
resource for labour authorities, lawyers, practitioners, and employers' and workers'
organization.
