The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Employment Relation

This book is the first comprehensive academic treatment of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and employment rights, which has a global vocation demonstrated by having been ratified by 173 States since it was adopted in 1966. Workers’ rights need protection and reinforcement.To achieve this aim, international human rights standards can play an important role.The ICESCR is the most important global UN instrument in this respect.It covers a wide range of employment rights, including the right to strike, and has global application.But it is not sufficiently developed and used, and national implementation often needs improvement. Part 1 of the book analyses general issues related to the Covenant, such as context, development, challenges, influences at the global and regional levels, interpretation and procedural elements.Part 2 deals with the specific provisions which are directly linked to the employment relation.The book is based on a thorough ana