ENSURING RESPECT FOR Human Rights in Employment EXCERPTS FROM THE PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS

Abstract

What does it mean to call something a “human right?” What is the relationship between work- related human rights and other human rights? What are work-related human rights? Most im- portant, what are the consequences of these rights—including the freedom to join a union and bargain collectively—for labor relations policy and practice in the United States and around the world? These are among the key questions that aca- demic, labor, and management participants grap- pled with during the IRRA’s 53rd annual meeting in New Orleans in January, the theme of which was “Ensuring Respect for Human Rights in Em- ployment.” Summarizing the answers that emerged from that important and ongoing discus- sion is the major focus of this issue. In the following articles, we try to summarize the presenters’ perspectives and also the confer- ence participants’ dialogue. We hope you enjoy this issue of Perspectives on Work.