The relevance of labour law in a changing job market
In the media image: Aron Senonor on Unsplash
In the ‘Sleutelstad’ radio programme ‘Kennismakers’, Professor of Labour Law, Yvonne Erkens, explains why this area of law affects us all and is more topical than ever.
Erkens emphasises the broad importance of employment law. It covers much more than just contracts and dismissal issues. Works councils, collective bargaining agreements and pay regulations are also covered. Although legislation related to labour law is well regulated in the Netherlands, she says the implementation and monitoring sometimes leave much to be desired. New developments also create additional challenges: artificial intelligence can make certain jobs disappear, but at the same time it creates new forms of work. Equal pay remains an essential principle, although quotas can, according to Erkens, help eliminate persistent disparities under certain conditions.
In her teaching, Erkens also tries to show students how international the field of study is. For example, by addressing issues surrounding child labour and the role of multinationals in global production chains. She also discusses the complex position of migrant workers, who often have insufficient knowledge of their rights and therefore miss out on protection.
Because labour law is becoming increasingly complicated, Erkens advocates a specialist labout court in the Netherlands, similar to employment tribunals in other countries. Her most important message to students: 'No matter how high-quality your work is, you will always remain dependent on the organisation in which you work. In that position, properly functioning labour law is indispensable.'
More information?
Listen to the broadcast of Kennismakers - Sleutelstad (in Dutch)