A Sustainable Law of Work?

The emerging discourse of sustainable development is now shaping the future of law at work. This chapter begins by outlining the core normative values encompassed in the principle of sustainability. It then explores how ‘decent work’ has been incorporated into the 2030 Agenda which sets out ‘Sustainable Development Goals’ (SDGs), including SDG 8. The chapter further examines the emphasis placed in the 2030 Agenda on procedural participatory entitlements and considers the implications of a vision of labour law in which no one is to be left behind. It is argued that it is vital to examine the connections and tensions between the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development in contemporary labour markets, which requires more transparent debates regarding ‘just transitions’. In this context, wider ranging representation of those at work and protection of their collective action will be crucial for sustainability to be achieved.