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Freedom of association

The right of workers and employers to form and join organizations of their own choosing is an integral part of a free and open society. In many cases, these organizations have played a significant role in their countries’ democratic transformation. From advising governments on labour legislation to providing education and training for trade unions and employer groups, the ILO is regularly engaged in promoting freedom of association. 

The ILO’s Committee on Freedom of Association was set up in 1951 to examine violations of workers’ and employers’ organizing rights. The committee is tripartite and handles complaints in ILO Member States whether or not they have ratified freedom of association conventions. Through the Committee on Freedom of Association and other supervisory mechanisms, the ILO has frequently defended rights of trade unions and employers’ organizations.

International Court of Justice advisory proceedings : Interpretation of Convention No. 87 with respect to the right to strike 

 

News and articles

The United States of America authorized to participate in the proceedings
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The United States of America authorized to participate in the proceedings

Indonesian palm oil sector improves labour-management cooperation through social dialogue
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Promotion of social dialogue

Indonesian palm oil sector improves labour-management cooperation through social dialogue

Publications

2022 Annual Review under the follow-up to the ILO 1998 Declaration - Compilation of baseline tables, by country

Country Baselines

2022 Annual Review under the follow-up to the ILO 1998 Declaration - Compilation of baseline tables, by country

Executive summary: migrant workers’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining

Labour migration

Executive summary: migrant workers’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining

ILO Brief: Violations of fundamental principles and rights at work at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and in Enerhodar city in Ukraine, temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation

Ukraine

ILO Brief: Violations of fundamental principles and rights at work at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and in Enerhodar city in Ukraine, temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation