In this study, the authors move beyond the debate on the relative merits and risks of a social clause in trade agreements and focus on practical approaches for improving labour standards in a more intergrated global economy.

In this study, Elliott and Freeman move beyond the debate on the relative merits and risks of a social clause in trade agreements and focus on practical approaches for improving labour standards in a more integrated global economy. The authors examine both what is being done in these areas, and what more needs to be done to ensure that steady and tangible progress toward universal respect for core labour standards is made. While concluding that the ILO should have primary responsibility for labour standards, the book also suggests that the WTO should consider how to address egregious and willful violations of core labour standards if they are trade related.