Abstract
In most legal systems around the world today, the employment relationship remains the essential point of reference for determining rights and obligations in the workplace. The Universal Labour Guarantee (ULG), as a floor of labour protections, may then be raised either by means of the law and regulations, or through collective agreements. Significantly, this extension of labour protection to those outside the purview of an employment relationship or employment contract, extends protection to self-employed persons as well as those in a “grey zone”, i.e., who are considered neither genuinely self-employed nor genuine employees.