Abstract
The organization of production and services is growing increasingly complex. Labour markets are becoming more competitive. And work is taking on a widening variety of different forms. These developments call for an adjustment of labour regulations, both statutory and contractually negotiated. Based on a classification of international labour standards into three categories - those laying down fundamental rights, those governing technical aspects of work and employment, and those setting guidelines for social policy - the author considers innovative approaches that could help to bring about the necessary adjustment. His concluding remarks highlight the roles of the State and labour courts in this process.