Global decline in workers’ rights causes alarm

Human Rights Research Center
Jun 5
2 min read

June 5, 2025

HRRC expresses concern about a recent report that states workers’ rights are declining around the globe. Immediate steps are required to reverse the trend and ensure that workers in each country are provided with a means in which they are able to protect their own rights and wellbeing.

People participate in a workers’ rights protest. [Image credit: Ben Smith/The Daily Iowan]

The rights of workers across the world are deteriorating according to the 2025 ITUC Global Rights Index. The index, which is compiled by the International Trade Union Confederation, measures workers’ rights in 151 different countries using 97 indicators, and is published annually. The results this year have been particularly concerning.

Out of the five global regions in the index, both Europe and the Americas recorded their lowest scores since assessments began in 2014. The fall in ratings was not solely linked to these regions, as the 12 countries with the lowest rankings are in Africa and the Middle East.

The decline over the last ten years has been quite astounding. At present only seven countries received the highest rating, a drop from 18 in 2014, and it is believed that if this trend continues, in less than a decade not a single country will receive the highest rating available.

Several of the most worrying results published were in relation to the ability to strike with 87% of countries violating this right, and 80% weakening collective bargaining rights. One other area for concern was related to the fact that workers had limited access to both justice and representation, with such access available in only 71% of the countries included in the study.

Some of the most shocking results showed that workers experienced violence in 40% of the 151 countries, and trade unionists had been killed in five different countries this year: Cameroon, Colombia, Guatemala, Peru and South America.

While the results of the index are almost entirely negative there were positive stories arising from a few countries. In Mexico, there were changes in labour law that improved workers’ access to justice, and in Australia reforms were put into place that helped improve the rights of union members.

Governments should learn from these outcomes and start putting plans in place to prioritise protecting workers’ rights. It is hoped that by 2026 the vast majority of countries will witness an improvement in their overall score.

Glossary

Arising – happening or starting to exist as a result of something.
Collective bargaining – the process where workers, through their union, negotiate with employers for better wages, working conditions, and other benefits.
Compiled – collected and organized information from different sources into one place.
Deteriorating – getting worse over time.
Index – a list or number used to measure changes, such as in prices, quality, or conditions.
Indicators – signs or measures that show the condition or level of something.
Labour law – laws that protect workers' rights, such as rules about wages, working hours, and safety.
Prioritise –treat something as more important than other things.
Reforms – changes made to improve systems, laws, or organizations.
Strike – when workers stop working to protest for better conditions or rights.
Trade unionists – people who are members of or support a trade union.
Violating – breaking a law, rule, or agreement.

Sources

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Global decline in workers’ rights causes alarm

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