Describes the labour market conditions in Latin America. Considers that the evidence points to the need to strengthen workers’ bargaining power through a better implementation of the ILO’s core international labour standards. Argues that in most countries the right to strike is restricted through legislation, especially in the public sector, but also in the private. Includes data on distribution of the employed labour force in the region, 1980 and 1992; labour market trends for fifteen countries, 1974 to 1997; pair-wise correlations of unemployment rates: fifteen countries 1983 to 1996; real wages: thirteen countries, 1983 to 1996; trade union membership in Latin America, percentages, 1985 and 1995.