#18FEB - HANDS OFF THE WORKERS RIGHT TO STRIKE

18.2.2015

Today, the Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia (CCM) joins the International and the European Trade Union Confederation in the defense of the right to strike, which is under constant attack by employers and governments worldwide.

On this day, the unions around the world again refer to the importance of this fundamental workers’ right.

Starting with the international labor standards and the European legislation in the Republic of Macedonia the right to strike is being regulated primarily by the Constitution as a fundamental legal act of democratic principles in the country.

In the chapter on fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens, Article 38 of the Constitution stipulates that the Republic of Macedonia guarantees the right to strike regulating the economic, social and cultural rights.

A more specific legislation on the method of exercising the right to strike as a means of exercise and protection of economic and social rights of workers is stipulated in the Labor Code.

The Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia as a social partner in the country stands for social dialogue and tripartite participation in the creation of national strategies and policies in Macedonia, but in the agenda of our actions, CCM is applying the method of pressure and strike in cases where the method of achieving a peaceful realization of workers’ rights is not functioning i.e. when negotiating with the social partners our demands are not being respected.

The International Trade Union Confederation organized a series of activities that promote the right to strike. These activities can be found on the following link: http://www.ituc-csi.org/18feb

In addition we present the address of Bernadette Segol, the General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) on the occasion of this day, 18th of February.

#18FEB - HANDS OFF THE WORKERS RIGHT TO STRIKE

The right to strike is under attack, by employers and by governments. The right to strike is basic, fundamental and historic. The right to strike must be, will be defended. Without the right to strike there is no democracy, no sanction to protect workers from exploitation.

We have suffered enough in these years of crises. We will not suffer the indignity of losing the right to strike. As General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation I join the international trade union movement in saying the right to strike is not negotiable.

Hands off the workers right to strike.

Source: http://www.etuc.org/press/18feb-hands-workers-right-strike