Re-Inventing Labour Law Enforcement: A Socio-Legal Analysis

This monograph explores the challenges of enforcing labor laws in Chinese firms in Prato, Italy, from a socio-legal perspective. It analyzes the strategies and practices employed by local enforcement actors to assist these firms in improving their labor law compliance. The book combines documentary, interview, and observational data and applies theories of legal culture and legal development to understand the interaction between law and society. It sheds light on processes of legal cultural adaptation and informs ongoing debates about effective strategies to combat contemporary gaps in worker protection.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This monograph delves into the realm of labor law enforcement, exploring current issues from a socio-legal perspective. It conducts an in-depth analysis of how local enforcement actors in Prato, Italy, strive to safeguard the rights and well-being of workers, particularly those employed in small workshops within the local clothing industry. The city has witnessed a significant influx of Chinese migrants who operate these workshops, raising concerns about adherence to core labor standards. Many of these Chinese firms fall short in meeting essential requirements such as maximum working hours, workplace health and safety, and the payment of social security contributions.

To address these challenges, the book employs a multi-method approach, combining documentary analysis, interviews, and observational data. It applies theories of legal culture and legal development to examine the intricate interplay between law and society. Central to its inquiry is the question of how local enforcement actors promote the protection of workers in Chinese firms. It seeks to answer two interconnected research questions:

How do local enforcement actors facilitate the improvement of labor law compliance among Chinese firms in Prato?

Which tools and rationalities drive these initiatives?

By examining the strategies and practices employed by three key enforcement actors—labour inspectors, labor unionists, and a new breed of labor law consultants—the book sheds light on processes of legal cultural adaptation. It provides valuable insights into the tools employed, the rationales driving these initiatives, and the broader implications for combating contemporary gaps in worker protection.

The findings of this monograph contribute to ongoing international and national debates about effective strategies for protecting workers in a rapidly evolving global economy. It underscores the importance of collaboration, dialogue, and innovative approaches in addressing labor law enforcement challenges, particularly in contexts where cultural and linguistic differences may pose barriers to compliance.

In conclusion, this monograph offers a comprehensive examination of labor law enforcement in Prato, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities faced by local enforcement actors in promoting worker protection in Chinese firms. It contributes to our understanding of the dynamics between law, society, and cultural adaptation, and provides valuable insights into the strategies and practices necessary to combat contemporary gaps in worker protection.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509974306