Implementing labour standards in construction: a sourcebook

Globally, the construction sector is one of the largest employers of temporary workers and the development of infrastructure can be a major contributor to poverty reduction and labour rights. Through the International Labour Organisation (ILO) there exist agreed international conventions on labour standards which cover employment conditions and rights. The underlying problem is not a lack of labour law, rather it is the lack of effective mechanisms to ensure that labour laws are applied and monitored. This sourcebook provides guidance on the collaborative process and contractual issues involved in implementing labour standards. It is based on experience gained from implementing labour standards in infrastructure construction projects in Ghana, India and Zambia. Three different contexts for construction are considered: formal or conventional contracting; community contracting; and self-help schemes using unpaid labour.