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 landmark advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice that confirms the right to strike is protected under a core international labor convention.

In a statement issued Thursday, FESTU described the ruling as a significant win for workers, trade unions and the broader cause of social justice. The court concluded that the right to strike falls under the 1948 Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize Convention, formally 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 organization said the opinion strengthens the standing of the ILO’s supervisory mechanisms and brings long-needed clarity to an issue that has sparked years of international debate and institutional tension.

FESTU said the decision also affirms that the right to strike cannot be separated from freedom of association and remains central to 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 dispute over whether Convention No. 87 covers the right to strike. That disagreement escalated in 2012, when a clash between workers’ and employers’ representatives stalled the ILO’s supervisory work.

Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) also praised the International Trade Union Confederation, the wider global labor movement and affiliated trade unions for defending the right to strike as a universal and fundamental workers’ right.

The federation said Somalia’s involvement in the ICJ proceedings reflected a principled defense of workers’ rights. It said that position aligned with the country’s constitution and labor laws, as well as its commitments under ILO Convention No. 87, which Somalia ratified in 2014.

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

FESTU General Secretary Omar Faruk Osman said the opinion 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 offers legal certainty for workers while also underscoring the duty of governments, employers and labor organizations to respect fundamental 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 deepen their commitment to 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 ruling as the beginning of a new phase of cooperation between 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.