In recent years, workers’ rights in Europe have seen a sharp decline, with average scores dropping from 2.56 to 2.73 on a scale of 1 to 5. This is particularly alarming as Europe has long been known for its strong commitment to workers’ rights. The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) warns that this decline is largely due to governments and companies actively dismantling the European social model, which has serious consequences for the continent.
Compared to Europe, other regions are even worse off when it comes to workers’ rights. The Middle East and North Africa have an average score of 4.74, while the American continent sits at 3.56. Unfortunately, this region continues to be one of the most deadly for syndicalists, with numerous murders reported each year.
However, despite these challenges, there are some bright spots. For example, Romania saw improvements in workers’ rights this year. Nonetheless, the overall trend suggests that we are seeing a race to the bottom in terms of workers’ rights worldwide. In Europe alone, while no trade union representatives were killed this year, a significant number of countries are guilty of violating the right to strike and subjecting workers to violence.
The Secretary General of ITUC, Belgian Luc Triangle, emphasizes the need to address these violations and protect workers’ rights globally. The report serves as a crucial reminder that upholding democratic principles and ensuring fair treatment for workers everywhere is essential if we want to build a better future for all people.
