The Rights of Labor Unions

History of the Resolution

The Rights of Labor Unions was the first UN proposal written at the United Nations Think Tank in the Celdonian Diplomatic Quarter. The think tank itself was originally created as a project of the Coalition of Anti-Capitalist Economies, though it is open to participation from all anti-capitalist nations - and even nations that do not count themselves as anti-capitalists but wish to work with others on a specific proposal.

This resolution drew inspiration from the International Fair Trade Agreement, as well as from Conventions 87 and 98 of the real world International Labour Organization. The text of it was written mainly by Free Soviets, with input from several other nations. Debate in the UN Forum over the proposal (and then the resolution) was quite spirited. When the Rights of Labor Unions passed it was one of the most tightly contested resolutions up to that point, passing with just 55% of the vote. It was immediately followed by several (then illegal) repeal proposals.

Shortly after the UN voted in favor of this resolution, the nation of MBCRCN launched a surprise bombing attack against several cities in the Anarchist Federation of Free Soviets in retailiation for having proposed the resolution in the first place.

Text of the Resolution

1. All nations must recognize unions formed for the purpose of collective representation of workers.
2. All nations must take appropriate steps to ensure the ability of unions to engage in industrial actions, and must appoint unbiased mediators to resolve disputes if a strike continues for 60 days or more.
3. Unions shall have the right to establish and join federations and confederations of labor unions, both nationally and internationally.
4. Unions and their national and international organizations shall be free from interference by the public authorities when drawing up their constitutions and rules, electing their representatives, organizing their administration and activities, and formulating their programs.
5. Workers shall enjoy adequate protection against acts of anti-union discrimination in respect of their employment, both at the time of entering employment and during the employment relationship.
6. In exercising the rights provided for in this resolution workers and their respective organizations, like other persons or organized collectivities, shall respect the laws of their nations.
7. National laws shall not be made to impair the guarantees provided for in this resolution. Laws that contradict these guarantees shall not be created or enforced.

Votes For: 10,158

Votes Against: 8,228

Implemented: Mon Nov 24 2003

Additional Materials

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