Content

The course explores labour governance in global value chains (GVC) and how it affects working conditions in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). At the heart of the course is the concept of ‘social upgrading’: the improvement of worker’s rights and entitlements in global value chains. The course starts with a discussion of the underlying drivers and logics leading to the historical expansion of GVCs. A range of theoretical concepts are introduced (e.g. GVC-typologies, value capture, labour intermediation, geographical and sectoral specificities) to understand how the characteristics of different GVCs affect working conditions. Based on examples from various sectors (textiles, construction, ICT, agriculture, academic publishing, etc.), the course highlights the strengths and weaknesses of different types of labour governance in realizing social upgrading. Examples range from voluntary sectoral and multi-stakeholder initiatives, over worker-driven initiatives, public procurement, to binding due diligence legislation. Attention is paid to how the effectiveness of these different governance types may be affected by core features of GVCs, and of labour markets in LMICs (e.g. informality, precarious work, and surplus labour). The specific role played by institutions such as the International Labour Organisation and other institutions in global labour governance is critically examined. Finally, the growing interaction between social upgrading initiatives in GVCs and development cooperation is explored, including through leading international frameworks, such as the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Course material

- Course reader (combination of texts)
- Course slides

Format: more information

Group assignment - Guest lecture - Presentation

A combination of face to face lectures (by the teachers and guest speakers) and student group presentations during the semester around a selected list of questions and reading materials, with in-class discussions.