Why right to strike matters – IndustriALL Global

The right to strike is an essential part of freedom of association. Most strikes are for increased pay and better working conditions. If the right to strike is removed, corporations would make bigger profits, workers would get lower wages and working conditions will worsen.
Updated May 2026 to reflect the ICJ advisory opinion
The right to strike is an essential part of freedom of association and is protected under ILO Convention 87. Withholding labour is a crucial negotiating tool during the bargaining process, its main objective is to change the balance of power between workers and the employer.
Here are five key reasons why we need the right to strike:
Striking is a last resort ...