Methods of Protecting Labor Rights in Selected BRICS Countries

The issue of protecting labor rights in the BRICS countries remains relevant due to differences in legal systems and approaches to resolving labor disputes. A comparison of national systems for protecting workers’ rights in Russia, Brazil, India, China, and South Africa reveals both common trends and unique features due to historical, economic, and legal differences. The BRICS member states in question acknowledge the existence of two main forms of protection, judicial and extra-judicial, but their organizational models and the relationship between them differ significantly. Brazil, India and South Africa have specialized labor courts, while Russia and China have not established such courts. Non-judicial mechanisms include the activities of labor inspectorates, trade unions, and alternative dispute resolution procedures, including conciliation, mediation and arbitration. Based on an analysis of the legislation and judicial practice of the BRICS countries under consideration, the strengths and weaknesses of national models were identified. Particular attention is given to the Russian system, with proposed areas for improvement taking into account international experience and modern trends in the development of labor law.

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