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ICJ Affirms ILO Convention Protects Global Right to Strike

5/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

The International Court of Justice in The Hague issued an advisory opinion that the International Labour Organization’s Freedom of Association convention protects workers’ right to strike, a ruling that may reshape labor standards worldwide.
The convention, ratified by 158 countries, is in UN and OECD guidelines and many trade agreements.
Judges warned that the right to strike may be limited, noting the United States has not ratified the convention.

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Story summary

The International Court of Justice in The Hague issued an advisory opinion that the International Labour Organization’s Freedom of Association convention protects workers’ right to strike, a ruling that may reshape labor standards worldwide.
The convention, ratified by 158 countries, is in UN and OECD guidelines and many trade agreements.
Judges warned that the right to strike may be limited, noting the United States has not ratified the convention.