Compilation of decisions of the Committee on Freedom of Association

Procedure in respect of the Committee on Freedom of Association and the social partners1

The functions of organizations of workers and of employers

1. The development of free and independent organizations and negotiation with all those involved in social dialogue is indispensable to enable a government to confront its social and economic problems and resolve them in the best interests of the workers and the nation.

1. The fundamental objective of the trade union movement should be to ensure the development of the social and economic well-being of all workers.

1. The occupational and economic interests which workers and their organizations defend do not only concern better working conditions or collective claims of an occupational nature, but also the seeking of solutions to economic and social policy questions and problems facing the undertaking which are of direct concern to the workers.

1. A trade unions activities cannot be restricted solely to occupational questions, since the choice of a general policy in economic affairs for example is bound to have consequences on the situation of workers (remuneration, holidays, the running of enterprises, etc.).

1. In exercising freedom of association rights, workers and their organizations should respect the law of the land, which in turn should respect the principles of freedom of association.