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Trade union rights news

All work has dignity, and all workers deserve to be treated with respect by their employers. Trade unions play a decisive role in improving working conditions, safety and wages – yet some governments and employers systematically abuse the right of workers to join existing unions or form new ones. PSI works actively to support the right of workers to free collective bargaining, and to help stop abuses when they occur.

Turkey: DISK Secretary General detained by police

17 June 2016
Arzu Çerkezoğlu and Rosa Pavanelli in a demonstration in 2015

DISK Secretary General, Arzu Çerkezoğlu, was detained by police in Istanbul airport on 17 June, purportedly for “insulting Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan”. Though later released, this does not change the fact that trade union rights and civil liberties are violated on a daily basis in a country “candidate” to join the EU.

Korean workers and activists demonstrate in Geneva

15 June 2016

Workers and human rights activists from Korea demonstrated on 15 June 2016 in front of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, while awaiting the report from the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association after his visit to Korea on 20-26 April this year.

Petition against violations of trade union rights in Algeria and Egypt

07 June 2016
Yamina Maghraoui talks about the situation in Algeria

During the 105th International Labour Conference (ILC) from 30th May to 11th June, the Arab Trade Union Confederation distributed a petition asking for solidarity support against trade union rights violations in Algeria and Egypt.

Liberian unions demonstrate in Monrovia to demand their rights

07 June 2016
Protestors in Liberia present their demands

PSI has been campaigning for several months for the reinstatement of Liberian union leaders George Poe Williams and Joseph Tamba after their dismissal in February 2014.

Moroccan unionists defend their pensions

06 June 2016
Moroccan women demonstrating for pension rights

PSI affiliate from the health sector in Morocco has informed us of the action carried out by the Union Marocaine du Travail in protest against the government’s planned policy to reduce retirement benefits.

The right to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association for disenfranchised workers

25 May 2016
construction worker

In his upcoming report to the UN General Assembly to be presented in October 2016, the Special Rapporteur will examine the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association (FOAA) for disenfranchised workers.

Route of Shame 2016: Walk for social justice!

25 May 2016

PSI and global trade unionists walked for social justice in Geneva. Around the world, populist politicians are raising the flag of racism and xenophobia to hide the fact that they represent the interests of the few, not the many. PSI calls for global solidarity with refugees and the respect of their human rights.