The international trade union movement has achieved a historic victory following a landmark decision by the International Court of Justice confirming that the right to strike is protected under ILO Convention No. 87 on freedom of association and trade union rights.

This ruling settles a long-standing debate over whether the right to strike is implicitly guaranteed within international labour standards. By affirming this protection, the Court has strengthened the authority of the International Labour Organization’s supervisory mechanisms and reinforced the principle that freedom of association cannot exist without the right of workers to take collective action.

The decision represents a major win for workers and trade unions worldwide, recognizing the right to strike as an essential tool for defending decent work, fair wages, social justice, and human dignity. It also sends a strong message to governments and employers that trade union freedoms are fundamental human rights that must be respected and protected in democratic societies.

Trade unions across the world view this ruling as a historic milestone in the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights, solidarity, and social justice.