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  2. ICESCR concluding observations 2025, paragraph 39

ICESCR concluding observations 2025, paragraph 39

UN recommendation

Plain English recommendation

Government should:
Review the Trade Union Act 2016 and the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 to ensure they follow article 8 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and protect trade union rights without unnecessary limits on these rights. Government should also properly enforce the Employment Relations Act and its 2010 Blacklists Regulations to stop the blacklisting of trade union members, and to ensure affected workers can access legal remedies and compensation. It should quickly introduce electronic voting for union members when they vote to decide whether to go on strike, with technical support and consultation with trade unions and employers.


Original UN recommendation

The Committee urges the State Party to review the Trade Union Act 2016 and the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 to ensure compliance with article 8 of the Covenant and safeguard trade union rights without undue restrictions. It also calls upon the State Party to effectively enforce the Employment Relations Act 1999 and its Regulations 2010 to prevent the blacklisting of trade union members and to ensure access to legal remedies and compensation for affected workers. In addition, the Committee recommends the prompt implementation of electronic balloting for industrial action, with adequate technical support and consultation with trade unions and employers.

Date of UN examination

12/03/2025

Original UN document

Download the original ICESCR concluding observations 2025 on the UN website.

Last updated on 21/08/2025

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 - Equality and human rights legal framework  - Just and fair conditions at work  - Access to justice, including fair trials
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)
Goal 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth Goal 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
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