UN ruling affirms that trade unions have the right to strike

The highest judicial body of the United Nations has clarified that workers and trade unions have the right to strike under an international labour convention signed nearly 78 years ago. The court stated that the 1948 Convention on Freedom of Association, adopted under the International Labour Organization (ILO), provides protection for the right to strike, and has been ratified by 158 countries.

The ruling came after a panel of 14 judges reviewed the matter, with 10 judges affirming that workers do have the legal right to strike. The decision is being seen as a significant clarification on global labour rights and strengthens protections for workers and trade unions worldwide.