End Violence Against Trade Unions
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Around the world, members of trade unions are targets of government and paramilitary violence.
The right to union organizing is protected under several international legal documents. Freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining is one of the four core labor standards recognized by the International Labor Organization (ILO). In addition to upholding the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights specifically protects unions in Article 23, section 4, stating “Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.”
Under the threat of violence, it is impossible for workers to exercise their rights to freely organize. The International Confederation of Free Trade Unions global survey of trade union rights and statistics found that in 2006:
- 144 trade unionists were murdered for defending workers' rights
- More than 800 unionists were victims of violent assaults
- 4,959 union activists were arrested
- Almost 9,000 workers were fired for their involvement in union organizing
- Almost 500 activists were detained for their union work
ILRF stands strongly opposed to all forms of repression and violence against union activists.
If your union is facing repression or violence because of your organizing, please contact ILRF Campaigns Assistant Tim Newman.
We Need Your Help!
Support ILRF with a donation to help fight against the exploitation of workers around the world.
Philippines: violence against workers continues
Take action to support Philippine workers in their struggle to improve working conditions and to defend their right to organize!
Recent Headlines
- Rights award night bittersweet for militant RP priest Philippine Daily Inquirer
- War on Terror Means Repression of Unions in the Philippines Toward Freedom
- US Unionists Alarmed by Colombia Woes Associated Press
- VIOLENCE AGAINST UNION MEMBERS CONDEMNED Cambodian League for the Promotion & Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO) Media Statement
- Colombia is finally moving against killers of unionists Miami Herald
About the Photo
Philippine labor activists picket the Australian Embassy in Manila.
Credit: Jay Directo/AFP/Getty Images
Trade Union Violence in the Philippines
ILRF filed a petition against the Philippines under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program on June 22, 2007. The complaint alleges that the Philippines systematically denies workers the rights of freedom of association, the right to organize and to form and join unions.
Fairness in Flowers
Action is needed to stop Dole from a repeat of what happened to workers of Splendor when they tried to bargain for a contract. Dole has a chance to redeem itself by respecting worker rights. Send an email to Dole demanding they negotiate in good faith with the Fragancia workers.