Resolution 19 : Defending and Protecting Labour Rights

The 29^th World Congress of Public Services International (PSI),
meeting in Durban, South Africa, on 27-30 November 2012

REAFFIRMS

that labour rights are human rights.

Also REAFFIRMS

that workers’ rights to freedom of association, to join a trade union, to engage in collective bargaining and to strike is guaranteed, respected and enforceable in any democratic society.

NOTES

that these rights are enshrined in the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights and ILO Fundamental Convention No. 87 – Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise.

OBSERVES

that a separate convention, ILO Convention 151 Labour Relations (Public Service) 1978 was necessary to facilitate these rights to be enjoyed by governmental workers (public sector workers) because of the special posers of their employer.

RECOGNISES

that democracy, social and economic justice, human rights and harmonious relations cannot be maintained and would not flourish where freedom of association, freedom of expression and labour rights are suppressed, abused and denied, and advocates of union rights are threatened, intimidated and are at severe risk.

Further RECOGNISES

that anti-union activities and actions have undermined democracy, economic and social justice, development and the wellbeing of citizens and have contributed to crimes against humanity.

NOTES

that the initial persons who perpetuate such crimes of denying workers the right of association and to be unionised, the right to collective bargaining, have also contributed to act of discrimination and victimization against them as a means of punishment to deter them from their commitment and determination to defend and represent their fellow workers from abuses and other forms of atrocities.

Further NOTES

that discrimination, intimidation, dismissals and other forms of abuses or atrocities against workers for their commitment and involvement in union activities have not only devastated their lives but also that of their families, in cases where helpless children who are left destitute and their future and career development shattered, even resulting in their health, welfare and lives being compromised.

URGES

all affiliates of PSI to collectively take steps to assert that trade union rights are human rights which should be respected internationally and nationally.

AGREES

that violators of trade union rights be branded internationally by establishing criteria for identifying and categorizing these individuals, developing an international website to publicly expose them and the crimes that they have committed against workers and to further explore effective means and ways in determining penalties as punishment for these anti-trade union atrocities and crimes.

See all Congress resolutions including the Program of Action and the Constitution.