Convention (No. 98) concerning the application of the principles of the right to organise and to bargain collectively

The Convention (No. 98) concerning the application of the principles of the right to organise and to bargain collectively is an international labor standard adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO). It was initially adopted in 1949 and sets out the basic principles and rights related to freedom of association and collective bargaining.

The key provisions of Convention No. 98 include:

1. Freedom of Association: The convention recognizes the right of workers and employers to establish and join organizations of their choosing without undue interference. It prohibits any discrimination against workers or employers based on their membership in such organizations.
2. Protection against Anti-Union Discrimination: The convention prohibits any acts of discrimination aimed at undermining workers’ freedom of association, such as dismissals, threats, or intimidation.
3. Employers’ and Workers’ Organizations: The convention acknowledges the right of employers and workers to form and join organizations of their own choosing. It recognizes the role of these organizations in promoting and defending the rights and interests of their members.
4. Collective Bargaining: Convention No. 98 emphasizes the importance of collective bargaining as a means of determining working conditions and terms of employment. It encourages employers and workers to engage in voluntary negotiations and reach agreements on these matters.
5. Measures to Promote Collective Bargaining: The convention calls on member states to take appropriate measures to promote and facilitate collective bargaining. This may include ensuring adequate legal protection for collective agreements, promoting the establishment of bipartite or tripartite mechanisms for negotiation, and providing support to workers’ and employers’ organizations.

Convention No. 98 is part of the core labor standards established by the ILO. It aims to protect and promote the rights of workers and employers to organize, engage in collective bargaining, and have a meaningful voice in determining their working conditions.