International Labor Rights Forum - Building a Just World for Workers

End Violence Against Trade Unions    Policy Connection

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One of the core labor rights as defined by the International Labor Organization (ILO) is the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining. When trade unions face violent repression, these basic rights cannot be exercised. ILRF works to ensure that government policies protect this core right and ensure that workers do not face retribution for their organizing efforts.

The ILRF has been one of the lead organizations to use labor protections in the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) to ensure that workers' right to organize is respected. GSP is a trade preferences program which allows duty-free access to U.S. markets for certain products from certain countries. In order to qualify for the program, countries are expected to meet certain labor conditions.

Most recently, ILRF has filed a request to the office of the U.S. Trade Representative to review the GSP status of the Philippines due to the widespread violence facing trade unions in that country. You can read the complaint online here.

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Protect the Right to Organize!

On International Human Rights Day, ILRF released a list of 5 companies that violate workers' right to organize. Check out the list here and tell them to protect workers' rights.

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Demand the Release of Labor Lawyer in the Philippines

ILRF has just learned that on Wednesday October 22 Remigio Saladero was illegally arrested by the Philippine government. Please take action now to tell the U.S and Philippine governments that the world is watching.

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Worker Rights are Human Rights!

As human rights advocates celebrate International Human Rights Day, ILRF has released a list of the five worst companies for union organizing. Click here to take action!

» Read the list here!

Trade Union Violence in the Philippines

ILRF filed a petition against the Philippines under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program on June 22, 2007. The complaint alleges that the Philippine government systematically denies workers the rights of freedom of association, the right to organize and to form and join unions.

» View the GSP Petition Filed by ILRF