Trade Unions and War: The Right to Organize under Belligerent Occupation

Authors

John Quigley

Abstract

The right to organize trade unions is widely recognized as essential to the well being of workers. This right is protected as a human right by the customary law of nations. When a country is occupied in wartime, its trade unions may be regarded with suspicion by the occupying power which may view them as providing a cover for anti-occupation activity. Nonetheless, the right of trade unions to function is not abrogated by the fact of belligerent occupation. An occupant must permit trade unions to carry out their activities.

Recommended Citation

John Quigley, Trade Unions and War: The Right to Organize under Belligerent Occupation, 13 Hastings Int'l & Comp. L. Rev. 241 (1990).
Available at: https://repository.uclawsf.edu/hastings_international_comparative_law_review/vol13/iss2/3