United Nations top court says right to strike is protected by a key labor treaty

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The United Nations top court on Thursday issued a landmark advisory opinion on the right to strike, finding that a basic employment contract protects workers’ right to quit.

The International Labor Organization, a UN agency, asked the International Court of Justice in 2023 to resolve an internal dispute over whether one of the ILO conventions gives workers the right to strike.

Advisory opinions are not legally binding but carry significant weight. The decision could have a worldwide impact on labor regulations by enshrining the right to strike in labor standards and international trade agreements.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Below is AP’s earlier story.

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The United Nations top court will issue a major advisory opinion on Thursday on the right to strike, clarifying whether employees are legally allowed to quit their jobs.

15 judges are also on the court International Court of Justice In 2023, the International Labor Organization, a UN agency, demanded that it resolve an internal dispute over whether one of the ILO conventions gives workers the right to strike.

The Convention has been ratified by 158 countries and is incorporated into UN labor standards, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines and international trade agreements. The United States is a member of the ILO but has not ratified the convention.

Although the advisory opinions are not legally binding, they carry significant weight and the decision could have a worldwide impact on labor regulations.

Some UN agencies may ask the ICJ to weigh in on legal issues and issue advisory opinions. Last year the court said: A landmark advisory opinion that countries may be violating international law if they do not take the necessary measures to protect the planet from external factors. climate change.

During hearings in October, the court in The Hague heard the views of 18 countries and five international organizations, including the ILO, and many other countries also submitted written arguments. The majority of participants defended the right to strike.