Adelle Blackett: The Canadian “Hallowed Ground” of Transnational Labour Law

Founded at the Paris Peace Conference of 1919 on the premise that “lasting peace can be established only if it is based on social justice,” the International Labour Organization (ILO) will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year. In a paper published by the Centre for International Governance Innovation on 2 April 2018 as part of the Canada in International Law at 150 and Beyond series, 2016 Foundation fellow Adelle Blackett argued in favour of the renewed relevance of international labour law and of its historical ideal as developed in the Canadian context. “In the current moment of deep discontent over globalization’s asymmetries,” competition between ILO members could undermine social justice and progress unless cooperative action is taken, she warned. Beyond the ILO’s organizational space, Blackett called for social actors – including judges – to draw from the thickening web of international labour law to affirm and breathe meaning into principles and rights at work.

Adelle Blackett is a 2016 Foundation fellow, as well as a professor of law and William Dawson Scholar at McGill University. She is also Canada Research Chair in Transnational Labour Law and Development. Read her article here.