The Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention (No. 87) was signed in 1948 and became effective in July 1950. Parties to the Convention oblige to ensure the right of both employers and employees to join an organisation of their choice and free from any influence of authorities which belongs to the core principles of the ILO. Furthermore, the Convention sets up general rules for organisations themselves, which includes for instance the voting for officers and the consolidation of an internal constitution. The Convention’s implementation is supervised by the ILO’s Committee of Experts. Every three years, a State Party must report on the current state of implementation, which is reviewed and evaluated by the Committee of Experts. Additionally, the right to freedom of association is monitored by the Committee on Freedom of Association (CFA). This body investigates complaints by employers’- and workers’ organisations against States, regardless of whether the State is a party to the Convention or not. The Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention is part of the 15 core conventions covered under the GSP regulation.

CEACR / ILO