RULE OF LAW PRINCIPLES, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND LABOUR RIGHTS: UNDERPINNING A TRIANGULAR RELATIONSHIP

Abstract

This paper proceeds on the hypothesis that labour rights and human rights in the workplace embody an expression of the rule of law. Accordingly, it first seeks to examine and underpin the triangular relationship between the substantive conception of rule of law principles, human rights, and labour rights, with paying special attention to the discourse framing the latter as human rights. It then turns to the ways in which the rule of law manifests itself in ensuring the implementation, effective protection and enjoyment of human rights in the workplace. Beyond substantiating the hypothesised connection, the paper argues that the integrated approach to interpretation adopted by the European Court of Human Rights plays an essential and multifaceted role in indirectly bringing labour law within the umbrella principle – conceptual and normative framework – of the rule of law.