Freedom of association - Compilation of decisions of the Committee on Freedom of Association (PDF version)

Sixth edition (2018)

The task of the tripartite Committee on Freedom of Association, set up by the Governing Body of the International Labour Office in 1951, is to deal with complaints of infringement of freedom of association submitted to it either by governments or by organizations of employers or of workers.

Since its establishment, the Committee has dealt with more than 3,200 cases covering most aspects of freedom of association and the protection of trade union rights. In this compilation, the Committee’s decisions are brought together in concise form for easy reference, in conformity with the request made by the International Labour Conference at its 54th Session in a resolution concerning trade union rights and their relation to civil liberties.

The compilation is intended to raise awareness and guide reflections for the effective respect for the fundamental principles of freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining.