ICJ Rules ILO Convention 87 Protects Right to Strike

Kathmandu. The United Nations' International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Thursday ruled that a key International Labour Organization treaty protects the right to strike. This decision could have a profound impact on global labor relations.

The court was asked for an opinion on whether the 1948 ILO treaty, known as 'Convention 87', inherently establishes the right of workers to strike.

ICJ President Yuji Iwasawa said, "The Court has protected the right to strike of workers and their organizations under that Convention." However, Judge Iwasawa said, "The Court's opinion is not binding, meaning it should not be understood as laying down any other fundamental rules for strikes."

"The conclusion does not determine any basis for the precise content, scope, or conditions for the exercise of that right," he said.

ILO Convention 87 is an agreement between unions and employers that includes the right to "organize their administration and activities in full freedom."