Compilation of decisions of the Committee on Freedom of Association

Right of workers and employers, without distinction whatsoever, to establish and to join organizations3

Distinctions based on occupational category

Workers in export processing zones

1. Workers in export processing zones despite the economic arguments often put forward like other workers, without distinction whatsoever, should enjoy the trade union rights provided for by the freedom of association Conventions.

1. The Committee recalled that the standards contained in Convention. No 87 apply to all workers "without distinction whatsoever" and that the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy provides that special incentives to attract foreign investment should not include any limitation of the workers freedom of association or the right to organize and bargain collectively and thus considered that legislation concerning export processing zones should ensure these rights.

1. The ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy provides that special incentives to attract foreign investment should not include any limitation of the workers freedom of association or the right to organize and bargain collectively. The Committee considers that legal provisions on export processing zones should ensure the right to organize and bargain collectively for workers.