Somali trade unions welcome ICJ ruling protecting right to strike

Thursday May 21, 2026

Mogadishu (AX) — The Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) has hailed a major advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice that says the right to strike is protected under a core international labor treaty.

In a statement released Thursday, FESTU described the ruling as an important win for workers, trade unions and the wider cause of social justice. The ICJ said the right to strike is covered by the 1948 Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize Convention, also known as International Labour Organization Convention No. 87.

“FESTU congratulates the International Labour Organization (ILO) for its principled leadership and for safeguarding the integrity, credibility and authority of the International Labour standards system,” the statement said.

The court’s opinion, FESTU said, strengthens the legitimacy of the ILO’s supervisory machinery and brings long-sought clarity to an issue that has triggered years of international dispute and institutional tension.

The federation said the decision confirms that the right to strike cannot be separated from freedom of association and remains a cornerstone of democratic labor relations, collective bargaining and the defense of workers’ dignity and interests.

“This is a defining moment in the history of the global trade union movement and a major achievement for multilateralism, social justice and international law,” FESTU said.

The ILO sought the advisory opinion after a prolonged argument over whether Convention No. 87 includes the right to strike. The dispute deepened in 2012, when a clash between workers’ and employers’ representatives disrupted the organization’s supervisory work.

Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) also praised the International Trade Union Confederation, the broader international labor movement and affiliated unions for standing firmly in defense of the right to strike as a universal and fundamental workers’ right.

The federation said Somalia’s role in the ICJ proceedings reflected a principled commitment to workers’ rights. That position, it said, is in line with Somalia’s constitution and labor laws, as well as its obligations under ILO Convention No. 87, which the country ratified in 2014.

FESTU said Somalia has since moved to align national laws and policies with international labor standards that support freedom of association, collective bargaining, social dialogue and democratic governance.

FESTU General Secretary Omar Faruk Osman said the ruling confirmed what trade unions have argued for years.

“Today’s decision of the International Court of Justice is a victory for justice, democratic labour relations and the protection of fundamental workers’ rights across the world,” Osman said. “The ruling has vindicated the longstanding position of the trade unions and has reaffirmed that the right to strike remains an essential pillar of freedom of association and social justice.”

Osman said the opinion gives workers legal certainty while also underscoring the duty of governments, employers and labor organizations to respect basic rights.

“This historic advisory opinion provides important legal certainty that strengthens confidence among workers and reinforces the collective responsibility of all actors within the labour market to uphold fundamental rights, promote stability and advance constructive industrial relations,” he said.

He called on governments, employers and workers to work together to reinforce freedom of association, collective bargaining and genuine social dialogue.

“Strong labour rights and stable industrial relations go hand in hand and are essential for peaceful, inclusive and democratic societies,” Osman said. He added that Somalia’s organized labor movement sees the decision as the start of a new phase of cooperation among workers, employers and governments.

“We must now move forward together in good faith to strengthen decent work, social partnership and equitable economic development for all,” he said.