Unions: Annual violations of rights survey published

ITUC survey claims that workers’ rights in Europe are at their “‘worst level’ in at least a decade. ETUC wants new EU legislation to protect unions and strengthen collective agreements.

The key points: The International Trade Union Confederation’s latest survey reports a sharp decline in workers’ rights across Europe, citing increased restrictions on strikes, union registration, and free speech, along with a rise in arrests and violence against workers. But note that this is a survey of the unions, by the unions – they decide what their rights are and judge where they have been violated

Why this matters: The findings highlight growing difficulties for companies operating in Europe, especially regarding compliance with labour rights and potential reputational damage where claims of anti-union practices are levied. 

The numbers: According to the ITUC survey:

• 41% of countries in Europe violated the right to establish and join a trade union
• 37% of countries in Europe impeded the registration of unions.
• 54% of countries in Europe denied workers access to justice.
• 17% of countries in Europe restricted free speech and assembly.
• 32% of countries in Europe arrested and detained workers
• Workers experienced violent attacks in 17% of countries in Europe

What might happen next: The European Trade Union Confederation is urging the European Commission to introduce a “Quality Jobs Package” to reinforce workers’ rights, including new rules on public procurement favouring companies that respect collective agreements.