As businesses continue to expand globally, business owners and managers also need to expand their knowledge of international laws and practices. There are many such standards, and these standards and practices are meant to protect the worker, and sometimes the employer as well. Their purpose is mainly to offer protection and maintain ethics, and they have an important place in an international marketplace.

Following are a sampling of some well-known international Labor standards and practices.  They are a good start for those expanding their business practices internationally.

Six Notable International Labor Standards and Practices

1. The Treaty of European Union: This treaty basically combined all European states into one and granted them certain rights. This treaty ensured that all European countries were one in their trade policies and standards. They enjoyed the same benefits but they were also held to the same tight standards as part of this. This covers the way in which they handle their labor practices ensure fair and equitable practices.
2. Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work:  This work protected workers on an international basis. This ensured that no matter what the issue, this standard protected the worker and their rights on the job. Though this has been contested by domestic standards, it was a very necessary step to put in place. This gave a very unified approach to labor standards, particularly helpful to those countries where none were in place.
3. Generalized System of Preferences:  This was put in place to help out those countries that had less of an advantage in their labor practices and trade standards. To those that didn’t have rights or standards put in place, this system would help to protect them. This was really more of a benefit to underdeveloped countries or those hit with hardships that necessitated this.
4. North American Agreement on Labor Cooperation: This agreement was put in place to ensure that certain standards protected the worker. Though there are other domestic laws and practices already in place in North America, this cooperation offered a more consistent and universal approach. This has been debated by opponents, but many aspects of it are still in place. This agreement basically forces companies to protect their workers and to put their rights first.
5. Voluntary Standards Model: This model acts as something of an international code of conduct. Though this model is a bit harder to enforce as it is based in ethics more than anything else, it has an important place. This model covers all areas of the world and is based in how workers and employers alike should act in their dealings.
6. Social Accountability 8000: This accountability action is strongly based in ethics and deals most specifically in behind-the-scenes business ethics. This provides corporate certification to those countries that are following these standards and using them in their everyday dealings. The action has been criticized as being at times unreasonable, but it is quite comprehensive and covers every aspect of business, offering a new way to do business across borders.

These standards are in place for a reason. Acts and models such as these are in place to protect workers and businesses all over the world.  That is a matter if increasing importance as the local marketplace continues to stretch outward.

Mary Frederick often enjoys blogging about program information for international business masters degrees online.