Jobs, collective bargaining, a minimum wage on which people can live, social protection and essential services are the core elements of reducing inequality.

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Under Labour, Britain will finally sign up to what is called the "Social Chapter, " a section of EU law affecting workers rights, giving them more protection, including a guaranteed minimum wage.

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Finally, what of the argument that the new global economy makes it impossible for governments to mandate social protection, such as minimum-wage laws, rules on working hours, health-and-safety standards in the workplace, and so forth.

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