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Osgoode Home > Osgoode Digital Commons > Journals > CLLPJ > Vol. 46 (2026) > Iss. 1

 

Comparative Labor Law & Policy Journal

Author ORCID Identifier

0000-0003-4059-3309

0000-0002-6388-5921

Abstract

This article examines the Mathadi Boards in Pune, India, as a pioneering example of corporatist regulation adapted to the informal economy. These tripartite institutions — comprising workers, employers, and the state — negotiate legally binding agreements on wages and working conditions for informal labourers, offering social protections and formalization without relying on traditional employment contracts. Drawing on extensive fieldwork and interviews, the study explores the Boards’ structure, governance, and impact, highlighting their potential as scalable models for informal labour regulation globally. It also identifies challenges related to representation, enforcement, and social exclusion, offering insights into how corporatist frameworks can be reimagined to support vulnerable workers.

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