Appendix II: Resolution of 1952 concerning the independence of the trade union movement

Whereas the International Labour Conference at its recent session has formulated in international Conventions and Recommendations principles for the establishment of freedom of association and good industrial relations;

Whereas a stable, free and independent trade union movement is an essential condition for good industrial relations and should contribute to the improvements of social conditions generally in each country;

Whereas the relations between the trade union movement and political parties will inevitably vary for each country; and

Whereas any political affiliation or political action by the trade unions depends on national conditions in each country;

Considering nevertheless that there are certain principles which should be laid down in this regard which are essential to protect the freedom and independence of the trade union movement and its fundamental task of advancing the social and economic well-being of the workers,

The International Labour Conference at its 35th Session adopts this twenty-sixth day of June 1952 the following resolution:

1. The fundamental and permanent mission of the trade union movement is the economic and social advancement of the workers.

2. The trade unions also have an important role to perform in cooperation with other elements in promoting social and economic development and the advancement of the community as a whole in each country.

3. To these ends it is essential for the trade union movement in each country to preserve its freedom and independence so as to be in a position to carry forward its economic and social mission irrespective of political changes.

4. A condition for such freedom and independence is that trade unions be constituted as to membership without regard to race, national origin or political affiliations and pursue their trade union objectives on the basis of the solidarity and economic and social interests of all workers.

5. When trade unions in accordance with national law and practice of their respective countries and at the decision of their members decide to establish relations with a political party or to undertake constitutional political action as a means towards the advancement of their economic and social objectives, such political relations or actions should not be of such a nature as to compromise the continuance of the trade union movement or its social and economic functions irrespective of political changes in the country.

6. Governments in seeking the cooperation of trade unions to carry out their economic and social policies should recognize that the value of this cooperation rests to a large extent on the freedom and independence of the trade union movement as an essential factor in promoting social advancement and should not attempt to transform the trade union movement into an instrument for the pursuance of political aims, nor should they attempt to interfere with the normal functions of a trade union movement because of its freely established relationship with a political party.