If you think international labour policy sounds like abstract theory, think again.
The International Developments in Labour and Human Resources Policy course was anything but a textbook-only experience. We didn’t have one, but three co-instructors including Professor Anil Verma, Jeffrey Sack and Brian Burkett. The course was also packed with an impressive list of guest instructors including:
- Chris Pigott – Counsel at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
- Chris Davidson – Affiliated with Lancaster House, alumnus of the MIRHR program
- Greg Distelhorst – CIRHR Professor, University of Toronto
- Rakesh Patry – Director-General, International Affairs, Labour Canada
- Desirée LeClercq – Legal scholar and participant in the panel discussion on international labour regulation
This course pushed us to think critically about who actually protects workers in the global economy, and what happens when no one really does. We dug into the politics behind the policies. From trade agreements like CUSMA to corporate supply chain scandals, this course made clear: labour law isn’t just about laws; it’s also about power, compromise, and who gets left out.
A Crash Course in Global Labour Governance
The first lecture started with Mr. Rakesh Patry from Labour Canada, who gave us an insider view of how governments approach international negotiations. He shared the why behind Canada’s policies, the geopolitics at play, and the limitations of diplomacy in today’s divided world.
Law Meets Reality (And Sometimes Falls Short)
Next up: trade law and labour enforcement. Professor Jeffrey Sack, Brian Burkett, and Chris Pigott walked us through the evolution from NAFTA’s symbolic side deals to CUSMA’s enforceable mechanisms. They helped us understand that international labour standards don’t just appear—they’re the product of intense negotiation, political posturing, and (sometimes) economic threats. We debated whether these enforcement models actually work, and looked at real-world examples of where they fall short. One thing was clear: being able to “read between the lines” of trade deals is a skill every HR and labour professional will need.
From Sweatshops to ESG: Labour Rights in Supply Chains
Professor Greg Distelhorst spoke about cases involving Nestlé and Thai seafood exports to unpack how forced labour and trafficking continue, despite corporate codes of conduct. We explored two models: the policing model (compliance-focused) and the coaching model (capacity-building), and debated which actually makes a difference for workers.
Then came the panel. Desirée LeClercq and Professor Verma’s discussion contextualized these topics in a shifting global landscape. What happens to international labour cooperation when countries like the U.S. pull back from the ILO? Are we heading toward more isolationism and protectionism? And, most importantly, what role can each of us play?
Why This Course Sticks With You
This year’s course felt especially timely. With global dynamics shifting and the U.S. pulling back funding from key multilateral institutions, the future of international labour governance has become increasingly uncertain. As students entering this complex arena, we had the rare opportunity to learn directly from experts at the International Labour Organization (ILO), World Trade Organization (WTO), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI).
These developments added urgency and relevance to our learning. They highlighted how fragile international cooperation can be and underscored the responsibility our generation holds in shaping what comes next. This course challenged us to think critically about who sets the rules in the world of work, who is left out, and what meaningful change looks like.
We wrapped up the five in-class lectures and ejoyed a patio lunch to prepare for our Europe adventure. Stay tuned for the next blog detailing our experience visiting Brussels, Geneva, and Paris -- a truly unforgettable experience for the entire group.
Mehreen Khan and Sadhana Koganti