Guidance and resources

ETI Base Code Provision 2:
Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected
2.1 Workers, without distinction, have the right to join or form trade unions of their own choosing and to bargain collectively.
2.2 The employer adopts an open attitude towards the activities of trade unions and their organisational activities.
2.3 Workers representatives are not discriminated against and have access to carry out their representative functions in the workplace.
2.4 Where the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining is restricted under law, the employer facilitates, and does not hinder, the development of parallel means for independent and free association and bargaining.

ETI resources

Industrial relations: raise the bar. Briefing paper 2008

Finding common ground: working with trade unions in supplier countriess. Briefing paper 2005

Freedom of association and collective bargaining guidance document

Other online resources

The International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers Federation (ITGLWF)

International Union of Food Workers (IUF)

Trades Union Congress (TUC)

International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)

Key ILO Conventions

C87 - Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise
Convention, 1948
The right of workers to join a trade union of their choice is a key principle for the ILO and is enshrined in this Convention. The right to freedom of association also includes the right to independence from government and employer interference and the right for trade unions to elect officials and organise their own affairs. Freedom of association has also been held to cover (with some exceptions for the public sector and emergency situations) the right to strike.

C98 - Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949
This Convention provides for protection against anti-union discrimination, for protection of workers' and employers' organisations against acts of interference by each other, and for measures to promote and encourage collective bargaining.

Also relevant:
C135 - Workers' Representatives Convention, 1971
R143 - Workers' Representatives Recommendation, 1971
C154 - Collective Bargaining Convention, 1981