A Charter of Workers’ Rights (Download)

About the book

The Charter of Workers’ Rights was launched at a fringe meeting at TUC Congress on Monday 9th September 2002.

In 2001 the TUC Congress called for the development of a Workers’ Charter. Since then, the Institute has been working with unions, academics and lawyers to develop ideas for such a Charter.

The end result is an impressive report outlining the economic, social and international reasons why a Charter is required. The report has been sponsored by unions large and small with 28 logos included on the cover. It also includes a Foreword from John Monks, General Secretary of the TUC.

The Charter is a 176 page book (edited by Professor Keith Ewing and John Hendy QC) which sets out detailed ideas on how to improve individual and collective rights at work. These ideas are presented alongside ideas for an alternative economic framework – a framework that promotes economic efficiency and social justice. It also provides a detailed chapter on why such a Charter is required with specific emphasis on the extent to which the UK fails to meet international standards and obligations. Finally, the book outlines the fundamental values upon which the Charter should be based which include social inclusion, equality, dignity and respect, freedom and solidarity and fairness and security.