Stella Vettori – författare

Talk of a demographic time bomb is not new. The notion first entered public consciousness some time ago, but there is a lack of clarity about what such talk is really all about. Ageing populations are seen both as a threat and an opportunity. There is concern about discrimination against older workers, at the same time as there is concern about a shortage of labour. Migration of labour from places with young populations to places with ageing populations is sometimes seen in a positive light and sometimes quite differently. With chapters reflecting different perspectives from around the world, this book constitutes a major contribution to serious, informed debate on issues that all too often have been the subject of sensationalised media treatment. Professor Stella Vettori has assembled a collection of expert writers on the social, cultural, political and economic factors that have implications both for labour markets and the well being of older people both in developed and developing countries. As a result, anyone involved with workplace and employment policy and practice, and issues of diversity and discrimination, either at a corporate or societal level, will want to read this book. Policy implications are considered and possible solutions to seemingly intractable problems are offered in a remarkable book that embraces serious academic debate and a practical focus on real issues.

The world of work has undergone major changes in the last two decades. This book examines these changes in their international context. It is argued that collective bargaining should no longer be viewed as the most important means of regulating the employment relationship. In the changed world of work such an approach is becoming less relevant. Instead, other means of protecting legitimate worker interests are explored. These include: an adaptation and extension of the general principles of the law of contract; a constitutional right to fair labour practices; and the pursuit of good corporate governance and corporate social responsibility. The conclusion is that these alternative means of addressing legitimate worker interests can play a valuable role in filling the vacuum left by the worldwide decline of trade unions.