Fw: What are the worst countries in the world for working people? The 2026 ITUC Global Rights Index

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Gregory A . Butler

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Jun 6, 2026, 2:45:47 PM (2 days ago) Jun 6

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Subject: What are the worst countries in the world for working people? The 2026 ITUC Global Rights Index

JUNE 2026

Bluesky

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June will be a defining moment for international labour rights. From the release of the 2026 ITUC Global Rights Index to debates at the International Labour Conference (ILC), workers and unions around the world are confronting a growing crisis for democracy and justice at work.

This year’s Global Rights Index exposes a dangerous global trend: attacks on workers’ rights are accelerating, including in countries once considered democratic strongholds, such as the United States and France.

But workers are fighting back – we are fighting back.

In a landmark victory for the trade union movement, the International Court of Justice has confirmed that the right to strike is protected under ILO Convention No. 87. At a time when governments and employers are increasingly challenging fundamental freedoms, this opinion reaffirms that freedom of association and collective action remain at the heart of democracy and social justice.

These debates will continue at the ILC, where governments, employers and unions will discuss the first-ever binding international convention for platform workers. As highlighted in the latest episode of Collective Voices, the fight for rights in the gig economy is about more than apps and algorithms – it is about stopping the spread of precarious work and ensuring that technological change serves workers, not corporate profiteering.

The struggle for democracy is inseparable from the struggle for workers’ rights.

Podcast: Uber, Deliveroo and YOU!

ITUC human and trade union rights update: March to May 2026

Iran: The ITUC called for an immediate ceasefire, de-escalation and renewed peace talks in the Middle East, condemning violations of international law and attacks endangering civilians. The ITUC reaffirmed solidarity with Iranian workers and independent trade unionists.

Ghana: The ITUC and ITUC-Africa welcomed Ghana’s leadership at the United Nations in advancing recognition of transatlantic slavery as a crime against humanity and called for reparatory justice, debt relief and economic transformation.

Nigeria: The ITUC welcomed the awarding of the 2026 Arthur Svensson International Prize for Trade Union Rights to Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero for defending workers’ rights and democratic freedoms despite intimidation and anti-union repression.

Russia: The ITUC expressed concern over police searches at the offices of the Confederation of Labour of Russia (KTR) and affiliated unions, reaffirming that freedom of association is protected under ILO Convention 87.

Eswatini: The ITUC condemned the banning of May Day celebrations organised by TUCOSWA and denounced increasing repression, violence and intimidation targeting trade union leaders and workers.

Gaza: The ITUC called for full humanitarian access, protection of civilians and the release of detainees from the Global Sumud Flotilla mission, reiterating calls for a just and lasting peace.

Tunisia: The ITUC condemned anti-migrant campaigns, racism and xenophobia targeting Sub-Saharan African migrants and called for the protection of migrants, refugees and human rights defenders.

Hong Kong: The ITUC continued to call for the release of Lee Chuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung, denouncing repression under the National Security Law and attacks on democratic freedoms and trade union rights.