Global production networks (GPNs) refer to the interconnected systems of production, distribution, and consumption that span across multiple countries and regions, organized and coordinated by transnational corporations and other economic actors. These networks are shaped by the logic of globalization, technological advancements, and the pursuit of cost efficiency, flexibility, and competitiveness. From the perspective of labour and labour market theories, GPNs reveal complex dynamics involving the spatial reorganization of production, the segmentation of labour markets, and the uneven distribution of power and benefits among workers, firms, and states. The nature of global production networks is inherently transnational and fragmented. Production processes are broken down into discrete tasks and distributed across various geographical locations based on comparative advantage. Labour-intensive stages are often relocated to developing countries where wages are lower and labour regulations are less stringent, while high-value functions such as research, design, and marketing remain concentrated in developed economies. This fragmentation aligns with the neo-classical theory of comparative advantage but also reflects insights from Marxist and structuralist perspectives that emphasize capital’s search for surplus value through the exploitation of cheaper labour. A key feature of GPNs is the hierarchical structure governed by lead firms, often multinational corporations, which coordinate and control the network. These firms exert significant influence over suppliers and subcontractors, dictating terms related to pricing, quality, and delivery schedules. Labour process theory highlights how this control extends to the organization of work, intensification of labour, and surveillance mechanisms. Workers in lower tiers of the network frequently experience precarious employment conditions, limited job security, and minimal bargaining power. Labour market segmentation is a prominent characteristic within GPNs. Dual labour market theory helps explain how workers are divided into primary and secondary segments. The primary segment includes stable, well-paid jobs with career prospects, typically found in core economies or within the upper tiers of the network. In contrast, the secondary segment comprises low-skilled, low-paid, and insecure jobs, often located in peripheral regions. This segmentation is further reinforced by gender, race, and migration status, leading to differential access to opportunities and protections. Another important dimension is the role of flexibility. Firms within GPNs adopt flexible production strategies to respond quickly to changing market demands. This includes numerical flexibility (adjusting workforce size), functional flexibility (multi-skilling workers), and wage flexibility. While flexibility enhances efficiency for firms, it often translates into insecurity for workers. The rise of informal employment, temporary contracts, and gig work reflects the shifting nature of labour markets