Sociological and Legal Aspects of the Concept of “Human Dignity” in Labor Relations

Abstract

In this article, we will analyze the sociological and legal aspects of the concept of human dignity within employment relations, beginning with a brief historical overview of the notion of “human dignity” and continuing with an examination of how this concept is reflected in labor legislation and case law. Although in employment relations the employee is required to carry out the instructions given by the employer, the Romanian Labour Code nonetheless protects the employee by stipulating that he or she benefits from “respect for dignity [...] without any discrimination,” granting “the right to dignity at work.” This means that while all human beings are born free, if their dignity is not recognized, they cannot live in complete freedom.