PROTect against EXploitation: exploitative offences versus legitimate work in a digitalised labour market
PROTEX aims to create an updated legal definition of exploitation in the digital age. It examines how exploitation is interpreted in law and how it is experienced by workers. The goal is to help identify victims of exploitation offences and human trafficking and protect workers’ rights.
The project at a glance
About
The project “PROTect against EXploitation: exploitative offences versus legitimate work in a digitalised labour market” will conceptualise an updated legal definition of “exploitation” in rapidly changing work sectors. “Exploitation” divides between criminalised and legitimate forms of work, particularly in the offence of human trafficking. Yet, no concise and clear definition of this crucial concept exists. Many victims are still denied State protection as its interpretation mainly depends on law enforcement authorities. These challenges are becoming even more relevant given the evolving work market, especially due to its digitalisation. While labour law is meant to protect employees from exploitation, its scope struggles to extend to new, often digitalised, work situations. Thus, the project aims for an operationalised legal definition of exploitation to guide the identification of victims of exploitation as well as the sustainable protection of all workers’ rights.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions grant agreement 101081455.
Organisation and Partners
Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance (FDEF)
Department of Law
Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (FHSE)
Department of Geography and Social Planning
Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS)
European Commission