New frontiers of workers' vulnerabilities and the need for innovative protective techniques
CLARS Member Professor Marilyn Pittard recently presented in a seminar on Vulnerability in the Digitalised Workplace, as part of the project, New frontiers of workers' vulnerabilities and the need for innovative protective techniques.
The world of work in modern societies is being radically transformed through technology, digitisation and sustainable business practices. As a result, there are new frontiers of workers’ vulnerability developing – including through precarious work and disappearing work. Vulnerable workers have traditionally represented the main focus of labour law. How is labour law protecting the new vulnerable workers in this evolving landscape?
This seminar, which marked the inaugural of two workshops scheduled for 2023, showcased accomplished researchers from both Italy and Australia who are jointly contributing to this initiative.
Speakers
Professor Marilyn Pittard, Monash University
Professor Adriana Topo, University of Padova
Dr Giovanni Gaudio, University Ca’ Foscari of Venice
Andrew Copolov, Monash University
Dr Angelo Capuano, Central University Queensland
Dr Emanuele Dagnino, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia
Bruce Moore, Consultant, Arnold Bloch Leiber and formerly Monash law lecturer
Dr Alberto Chies, University of Padova
About the project
New frontiers of workers' vulnerabilities and the need for innovative protective techniques: a comparative perspective aims to analyse how labour laws in Italy, the EU and Australia are adapting to protect these new vulnerable workers. It will compare regulatory frameworks and examine innovative protective measures employed by both public and private entities in different countries, in order to disseminate widely the best solutions and good practices.
This research is supported by the joint initiatives in education and research between the University of Padua and Monash University (2023 Seed Fund Scheme). The project, led by Chief Investigators Professor Marilyn Pittard, Professor Adriana Topo and Dr Davide Tardivo, intends to publish its findings at a later date in a special journal issue or edited book.
Concerning the notion of vulnerability, the project will consider both “classic” areas in which the employee is proven to be more vulnerable, such as economic and social vulnerability. In this perspective, particular attention will be devoted to topics of different minimum wage legislation and the inclusion of minorities in the labour market, encompassing individuals with disabilities, indigenous populations, and migrant workers.
Additionally, the project will explore newer vulnerabilities related to digitalisation and the shift towards sustainable production, and the public policies to support this process. This includes topics like gig economy work, the impact of remote work on occupational health and safety, and the need for new skills in line with sustainable production models. The project will consider traditional areas of vulnerability like economic and social factors, with a focus on issues such as minimum wage legislation and the inclusion of marginalised groups in the labour market. The project aims to foster a dialogue between experts from academia, trade unions, and employers' associations to identify the most effective legal techniques for protection and support the effectiveness of collective actors‘ action.
Posted 9 October 2023