TUC welcomes ICJ ruling affirming workers' right to strike

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) Ghana welcomed the advisory opinion on May 21, 2026, saying the ruling strengthens the global labour movement's long-standing position that "the right to strike is inseparable from freedom of association and collective bargaining." The advisory opinion affirmed that workers and their organisations are protected under the International Labour Organisation's Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (Convention No. 87). The TUC described the ruling as a historic victory for workers and trade unions across the world.

The TUC commended the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and its legal team for their defence of workers' rights. The TUC paid tribute to Mr. Paapa Danquah, Director of Legal Affairs at the ITUC and former Director of Legal Affairs of the TUC Ghana, for his role in the legal proceedings, saying they are "particularly proud of Mr. Paapa Danquah… for his outstanding contribution and compelling advocacy before the Court on behalf of workers across the world." The intervention by the ITUC reaffirmed the position of the global labour movement that workers must retain the legal right to organise and strike in defence of their welfare and working conditions.

Labour experts say the ICJ advisory opinion is likely to influence labour legislation, industrial relations policies and court decisions in several countries. The ruling is expected to strengthen organised labour movements worldwide amid increasing tensions over wages, working conditions, unemployment and economic hardship in many countries. The TUC said the latest ruling should encourage governments and employers to prioritise dialogue, fairness and respect for workers' rights in resolving industrial disputes.