Standards and rights at work

One of the key issues in the Utilities sector composed of crucial services of general interest is the need to respect international standards on freedom of association and collective bargaining and avoid where possible breakdowns in the provision of utilities.

The ILO Committee on Freedom of Association has expressed the view that strikes are a legitimate means of defence of workers' interests, but that they may be limited or prohibited in essential services. The principles of freedom of association allow the right to strike to be restricted in essential services whose interruption would threaten the life, personal safety or health of all or part of the population. Where strikes are permitted, legislation or collective agreements usually provide means to ensure the continuance of a minimum level of services. Consultation with workers on this issue is essential. But it is clearly highly desirable also to develop a continuous dialogue, so as to prevent such occurrences.

Useful links/resources

International labour standards

• C87 - Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948. Ratifications.
  
• C98 - Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949. Ratifications.
  
• C151 - Labour Relations (Public Service) Convention, 1978. Ratifications.
  
• C154 - Collective Bargaining Convention, 1981. Ratifications.
  

National labour legislation (NATLEX database)

• National legislation dealing with the utilities sector (electricity, gas and water)
  

Committee on Freedom of Association

• Cases related to the utilities sector