Jill Murray

Work and Care: New Legal Mechanisms for Adaptation

Abstract This article discusses a number of legal developments that are designed to help workers adapt their jobs in order to care for others. There is evidence of an increased permeability of work to care in some jurisdictions, especially those in the European Union. The new legal developments considered are the creation of a specific category of leave to attend to care emergencies, a broadening of the legal definitions of those who may be cared for, and improved access to and quality of part-time work. The paper concludes that, without legal intervention, the task of self-regulating work and care is unnecessarily burdensome to those, chiefly women, who undertake it.

Time for a New Working-Time Convention? Ideas, Themes and Possibilities

ABSTRACT International labour law still has a significant regulatory function to perform. Within the body of international labour law there is a need for a new working-time Convention. The article draws on the principles and regulatory mechanisms adopted by the International Labour Organization in its dealings with working time since 1919 to develop ideas for a new Convention. It is argued that it is not necessary to completely jettison past practices, but creative adaptation is required to meet contemporary needs.