Freedom of association

Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are of fundamental importance to all workers, including those in the electronics industry. When workers are free to organise and join a union, and to negotiate working conditions, they have the ability to secure decent conditions in general.

In practice, electronic workers are often denied these rights. Employers are deliberately undermining union organising and collective bargaining by hiring precarious workers, whose association with a single workplace may be weak or short and the risk of dismissal high. Regular workers are also likely to face reprisal if they organise or join a union. Even when a union does gain recognition, employers may refuse to engage in collective bargaining negotiations. The denial of these workers’ enabling rights is closely linked to substandard labour conditions, low wages and occupational health and safety risks.

The GoodElectronics network and its members, including trade unions and civil society organisations, contribute to organising and training of workers. GoodElectronics strives for full respect of freedom of association and collective bargaining rights.