Source: Amnesty International –
Trade unions are critical to protecting and promoting human rights including economic, social, and cultural rights and the right to be free from discrimination.
First, they play a key role through negotiations with employers and collective action in supporting workers’ rights. In so doing, unions balance the scales of power, ensuring that workers are in a position to advocate for their rights, and holding those who run wealthy and powerful companies to account.
Second, the benefits of trade unions go far beyond the workplace. Unions are the fuel that keeps the fires of social justice and people power burning so that workers’ rights are respected and protected by law. Throughout history, unions have been the driving force behind calls on governments and employers to acknowledge and prevent human rights abuses that are connected to their business operations. They also ensure laws are adopted and reformed to better respect and protect the rights of workers.
Finally, unions have a long history of solidarity with other global human rights movements. From strikes in the 80s against apartheid in South Africa to the union-backed campaigns against Israel’s genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, their actions consistently demonstrate the bond between trade unionism and social justice.